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overtook

- 3 dictionary results

–verb

–verb (used with object)

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.

to catch up with and pass, as in a race; move by: He overtook the leader three laps from the finish.

to move ahead of in achievement, production, score, etc.; surpass: to overtake all other countries in steel production.

to happen to or befall someone suddenly or unexpectedly, as night, a storm, or death: The pounding rainstorm overtook them just outside the city.

–verb (used without object)

to pass another vehicle: Never overtake on a curve.

Origin:
1175–1225; ME overtaken; see over-, take

—Related forms

un·o·ver·tak·en, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
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Word Origin & History

overtake

"to come up to, to catch in pursuit," early 13c. (implied in pp. ouer-token), from over + take (q.v.).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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