o
ver
take
Third Person
overtakes
Present Participle
overtaking
Past Tense
overtook
Past Participle
overtaken
1
to catch up to and pass by something or someone that is moving in the same direction
- The car overtook us on the highway, speeding past at a rapid pace.
- She managed to overtake her competitor in the final lap of the race.
- We had to slow down as a truck overtook us on the narrow road.
- He overtook all the other cyclists in the race, crossing the finish line first.
- The runner overtook the leader with just 100 meters to go.
2
to affect suddenly and often negatively
- A sudden outbreak of disease overtook the village, causing widespread illness.
- A fire overtakes the warehouse, threatening nearby buildings.
- The floodwaters overtook the small town, submerging homes and streets.
- A pandemic overtakes the region, straining healthcare resources.
- The invasion overtook the peaceful region, resulting in chaos and destruction.
3
(of a feeling) to greatly and suddenly influence someone
- Fatigue overtook her after the long hike, and she collapsed onto the couch.
- Nostalgia overtakes him while looking through old photographs, bringing back memories.
- Anxiety overtook him as the exam approached, making it difficult to concentrate.
- Disappointment overtakes him when he learns that the event is canceled.
- Fear overtook her as she walked alone at night, prompting her to quicken her pace.