overtake

American  

[oh-ver-teyk] / ˌoʊ vərˈteɪk /

verb (used with object)

overtook, overtaken, overtaking

1. to catch up with in traveling or pursuit; draw even with.

   By taking a cab to the next town, we managed to overtake and board the train.

2. to catch up with and pass, as in a race; move by.

   He overtook the leader three laps from the finish.

3. to move ahead of in achievement, production, score, etc.; surpass.

   to overtake all other countries in steel production.

4. to happen to or befall someone suddenly or unexpectedly, as night, a storm, or death.

   The pounding rainstorm overtook them just outside the city.

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verb (used without object)

overtook, overtaken, overtaking

1. to pass another vehicle.

   Never overtake on a curve.

overtake British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈteɪk /

verb

1. to move past (another vehicle or person) travelling in the same direction

2. (tr) to pass or do better than, after catching up with

3. (tr) to come upon suddenly or unexpectedly

   night overtook him

4. (tr) to catch up with; draw level with

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Other Word Forms

• unovertaken adjective

Etymology

Origin of overtake

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English overtaken; over-, take

Example Sentences

Cari ran fast enough to overtake Beto, and she threw her arms around his legs.

From Literature

“Go on, quick,” said Dandelion, “before it loses interest. I’ll overtake you and help if I can.”

From Literature

I fight with my lips, trying to press them into a serious and professional frown rather than the grin that threatens to overtake them.

From Literature

‘There will be no escape again, if we do not contrive it. How that is to be done cannot be guessed, but first we must overtake them.’

From Literature

In the afternoon the dark clouds began to overtake them: a sombre canopy with great billowing edges flecked with dazzling light.

From Literature

Related Words

• beat
• befall
• catch up with
• engulf
• outdistance
• outdo
• outstrip
• overwhelm