Meaning & Definition of word "Surmount"

Surmount

/sərˈmaʊnt/

verb:

  • 1. to overcome (a difficulty or obstacle)
    • Example: She was able to surmount her fears and give a presentation in front of the audience.
  • 2. to be on top of or to rise above something
    • Example: The mountain is surmounted by a blanket of snow all year round.
  • 3. to surpass or exceed in excellence or achievement
    • Example: His achievements in science surmount those of his contemporaries.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French surmonter, from sur- 'over' + monter 'to mount'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

surmount the odds:

To succeed despite difficult situations.

surmount a challenge:

To overcome a particular difficulty.

surmount a hill:

To reach the top of a hill.

Related Words

mount:

To get up on or climb.

overcome:

To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.

prevail:

To be victorious or to triumph.

Slang Meanings of surmount

Meaning: To ace it

Example Sentence: He really aced it during finals, he managed to surmount every topic.

Meaning: To crush it

Example Sentence: They crushed it at the tournament, completely surmounting their competition.