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

• catch
• catch up (with)
• overhaul

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

Jeanty would become the Broncos’ highest-ever draft pick if that came to fruition — overtaking Ryan Clady, who was the 12th overall pick by the Denver Broncos in 2008. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025

The Falcons also manage to overtake the Buccaneers for the division with Michael Penix under center in what is a similar battle to the AFC South. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

Adolescence would only need 27.5M views to overtake Bridgerton. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2025

At this point, MVP is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's to lose and only Nikola Jokic has the ability to overtake him for the honor. —Nick Crain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 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