overcome

[oh-ver-kuhm]

verb (used with object)

overcame, overcome, overcoming. 

1. to get the better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer; defeat.

   to overcome the enemy.

   Synonyms: vanquish

2. to prevail over (opposition, a debility, temptations, etc.); surmount.

   to overcome one's weaknesses.

3. to overpower or overwhelm in body or mind, as does liquor, a drug, exertion, or emotion.

   I was overcome with grief.

4. Archaic.,  to overspread or overrun.

verb (used without object)

overcame, overcome, overcoming. 

1. to gain the victory; win; conquer.

   a plan to overcome by any means possible.

overcome

/ ˌəʊvəˈkʌm /

verb

1. (tr) to get the better of in a conflict

2. (tr; often passive) to render incapable or powerless by laughter, sorrow, exhaustion, etc

   he was overcome by fumes

3. (tr) to surmount (obstacles, objections, etc)

4. (intr) to be victorious

Other Word Forms

• overcomer noun
• unovercome adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overcome¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English ofercuman; over-, come

Synonym Study

See defeat.

Example Sentences

But even a thrilling run at Bethpage Black in New York proved too little too late to overcome the Americans’ horrendous start.

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But the margin was too much to overcome.

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If the Yankees lose Wednesday, and again fall short of a championship, there will be more questions about why Judge has been unable to overcome the gauntlet of October.

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The Smithsonian has also embraced the Identity Museum genre, which typically recounts how a group overcomes American racism by fighting for its rights and embracing its identity.

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Combined with the continuing investor demand, that has created a huge tailwind for corporate bond prices, enough to easily overcome most economic worries, she said.

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Related Words

• conquer 
• crush 
• overpower 
• overwhelm 
• reduce 
• stun 
• surmount 
• survive 
• weather 
• win