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

China's chip industry has also yet to overcome criticism that its products can be less user-friendly than those of Western rivals like Nvidia.

From BBC

After drinking a lot of alcohol - which many students will be doing to overcome nerves - your body produces fewer white blood cells, which help to fight off infections.

From BBC

Teams have overcome these types of challenges before.

From Los Angeles Times

Routledge overcame her initial reluctance to perform his scripts and excelled as A Woman of No Importance and A Lady of Letters.

From BBC

The previously unbeaten Trojans nearly overcame their problems by taking a late lead, but the Illini answer with a field goal as time expires.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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