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

The man, who was identified as 74-year-old Richard Michael Wilsey, died after his vehicle was overtaken by floodwaters. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Dec. 2025

With Australia’s Queensland coast standing in the Amazon, Gormican skillfully milks the inherent humor in the situation while also not letting the horror aspects of the original film overtake this one, at least not enough to threaten a PG-13 rating. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2025

But don’t be surprised if the Rams climb quickly in the new conference and, perhaps, overtake WSU and OSU. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 19 Dec. 2025

Sinners The People’s Champion in the race, facing two huge obstacles in its path to overtaking OBAA. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

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