overtake

verb

over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk 

overtook ˌō-vər-ˈtu̇k  ; overtaken ˌō-vər-ˈtā-kən  ; overtaking

transitive verb

1

a

: to catch up with

b

: to catch up with and pass by

2

: to come upon suddenly

Synonyms of overtake

• catch
• chase
• reach

Examples of overtake in a Sentence

She overtook the other runners and went on to win the race.

The sign says “No Overtaking.”

Seasickness can overtake passengers when the ship encounters a storm.

Recent Examples on the Web

In an unprecedented moment, Deadline revealed last week that YouTube had overtaken the BBC on a key measurement of audience reach. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026

According to witnesses, the minibus carrying the children was reportedly overtaking other stationary vehicles when the head-on collision occurred, per the news agency. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026

The only thing faster than a bullet train is the zombie infection overtaking its passengers. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026

Investment in clean technologies has overtaken investment in fossil fuels and clean energy is reshaping demand fundamentals. —María Mendiluce, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from over entry 1 + taken to take

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overtake

• rattlesnake
• shiitake
• undertake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake

Kids Definition

overtake

verb

over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk 

overtook -ˈtu̇k  ; overtaken -ˈtā-kən  ; overtaking

1

a

: to catch up with

b

: to catch up with and pass by

2

: to come upon suddenly

a blizzard overtook the hunting party