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

While qualifying remains thrilling, an exhibition of talent and grit, the race itself unfolds like a high-speed procession with minimal changes to the starting grid, overtaking nearly impossible unless rain or strategy throws chaos into the mix. —Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

The Swede shot a final-round 6-under 66 to climb two spots on the leaderboard, overtaking Maverick McNealy and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

In Imax, Ne Zha 2 is now the format’s highest grossing title ever in China with $104M, overtaking Avengers: Endgame. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025

The markers stand testament to a history that is fast being overtaken by gentrification, Taylor indicated in an interview to the Daily News. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 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

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