takeover

1 of 2

noun

take·​over ˈtāk-ˌō-vər How to pronounce takeover (audio)
Synonyms of takeovernext
: 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

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
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Noun
The group organized the takeover of the Palace of Justice in 1985, the aftermath of which led to a massacre perpetrated by the Colombian Army, which killed 100 people — including 12 ministers of the Supreme Court of Justice. Roberto Andrés, The Dial, 28 May 2026 In addition, Abrams said, teen takeovers swell up fast because many teenagers just have no place else to go. Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 28 May 2026
Verb
Boyd pitcher Colton Patton took over on the mound in the ninth inning, slamming the door and securing the title. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2026 Monarch takes over what was last known as Little Johnny B’s, the launching pad for Italian-American restaurant Johnny Bechamel’s, and Roberta’s Pizza before that. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for takeover

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1618, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of takeover was in 1618

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Cite this Entry

“Takeover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/takeover. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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 How to pronounce takeover (audio)
: the acquisition of control or possession (as of a corporation)
a hostile takeover

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