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

This summer has been marked by police pursuits, street takeovers and fatal crashes that have claimed the lives of innocent pedestrians and sent scores of riders to the emergency room. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

The full council has twice discussed teen takeovers but did not vote on the issue either time, sending the debate into its third month as new ideas keep coming. — Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Verb

Somewhere along the line, mobility and strength took over to preserve pitchers’ bodies and keep their arms strong. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

The government has raised taxes and increased domestic borrowing to keep its budget deficit under control, and taking over major companies could potentially bring in revenue. — ABC News, 25 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