verb, -took, -tak⋅en, -tak⋅ing.| 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. |
| 5. | to pass another vehicle: Never overtake on a curve. |
o·ver·took (ō'vər-tŏŏk') v. Past tense of overtake. |