takeover

1 of 2

noun

take·​over ˈtāk-ˌō-vər 

: the action or an act of taking over

take over

2 of 2

verb

took over; taken over; taking over; takes over

transitive verb

: to assume control or possession of or responsibility for

military leaders took over the government

intransitive verb

1

: to assume control or possession

2

: to become dominant

Synonyms of takeover

Noun

• seizure
• appropriation
• annexation
• usurpation
• invasion

Verb

• substitute
• stand in
• fill in

Examples of takeover in a Sentence

Noun

The government experienced a military takeover in 2002.

the new government's high-handed takeover of private industries

Verb

I'll take over for her until she gets back from her morning break.

took over the responsibility of caring for the animals

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Encouraged by his son, Michael, Storch held talks over becoming a minority shareholder at Reading alongside fellow American Rob Couhig, before believing a full takeover of Cardiff City was possible following their relegation to League One. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine intentionally sank its last major ship rather than accept an inevitable takeover by Russia's large Black Sea fleet. — Greg Myre, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

San Bernardino deputies said the Sheriff's Rural Crimes Task Force took over the investigation and asked anyone with tips to send them to law enforcement. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Alejandro Hidalgo surrendered all five runs in the fifth after taking over for Rojas. — Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1618, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing takeover

• anti-takeover
• hostile takeover
• takeover bid

Rhymes for takeover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover

Kids Definition

take over

verb

(ˈ)tā-ˈkō-vər

: to get control or possession of or responsibility for something

takeover

ˈtā-ˌkō-vər

noun

Legal Definition

takeover

noun

take·​over ˈtāk-ˌō-vər 

: the acquisition of control or possession (as of a corporation)

a hostile takeover