Overtake

/oʊvərˈteɪk/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to catch up with and pass while traveling in the same direction.

The cyclist managed to overtake the runner during the race.

to surpass or exceed; to go beyond in degree or amount.

The new smartphone sales are expected to overtake those of its predecessor.

to come upon or catch up with suddenly.

She was overtaken by a sudden wave of anxiety.

Middle English, from the prefix 'over-' meaning above or across, and 'take'.

overtake someone

To surpass another person in speed or progress.

overtake a task

To complete a task before it is due.

overtake a trend

To exceed or come ahead of a particular trend.

take

To grasp or seize something.

over

Above or higher than.

To outshine someone.

She really overtook everyone with her performance at the talent show.

To move ahead of someone in a competition.

In the last lap, he overtook the leader to win the race.