overtop

[oh-ver-top, oh-ver-top]

verb (used with object)

overtopped, overtopping 

1. to rise over or above the top of.

   a skyscraper that overtops all the other buildings.

2. to rise above in authority; take precedence over; override.

   No individual shall overtop the law.

3. to surpass or excel.

   a rise in sales that overtopped everyone in the industry.

noun

1. a top, sometimes sleeveless, designed to be worn over another garment, as a shirt or dress.

overtop

/ ˌəʊvəˈtɒp /

verb

1. to exceed in height

2. to surpass; excel

3. to rise over the top of

Word History and Origins

Origin of overtop¹

First recorded in 1555–65; over- + top ¹

Example Sentences

When meltwaters reach a certain level, they can overtop a glacier that previously held them back.

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Waves overtopped sand dunes on the low-lying island of South Uist.

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People were urged against leaving their homes due to danger from flying debris, coastal overtopping, falling trees and damage to buildings.

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The smaller debris basins are prone to overtopping.

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Large waves are also expected with coastal overtopping.

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Related Words

• brim 
• bubble over www.thesaurus.com
• cascade 
• deluge 
• drain 
• drown 
• engulf 
• gush 
• inundate 
• leak 
• overrun 
• pour 
• run over 
• soak 
• spill 
• spill over 
• submerge 
• swamp