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

Dingwall, who started England's previous three Autumn Series internationals Tests and scored a try in last week's 33-19 win over New Zealand, has failed to overcome a side injury sustained against the All Blacks.

Read more on Barron's

Beyond the performance, the assembly of this England quintet is made more remarkable by the obstacles each man has had to overcome to be on the field.

Read more on BBC

England striker Alessia Russo scored twice as holders Arsenal overcame Real Madrid 2-1 in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday, while Manchester United suffered their first loss of the league phase.

Read more on Barron's

Its shoppers have been put off by its relatively high prices compared with competitors like Walmart or online upstarts such as Temu and Shein, a dynamic that has been hard to overcome as inflation rises.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I accept your generous offer,” he said, overcome with weariness.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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