Definition

1. Verb (past participle of overtake):
   • To catch up with and pass: "Overtaken" describes the state of being caught up with and passed, especially in movement or progress.
   • To come upon suddenly: "Overtaken" also means to be affected unexpectedly by an event, emotion, or condition, often with a sense of being overwhelmed.

Usage Examples

• Catching up and passing:

  • The runner was overtaken by a faster competitor just before the finish line. (The runner was caught and passed by someone moving more quickly.)
  • Our car was overtaken by a speeding truck on the highway. (The truck moved ahead of our car.)

• Being affected suddenly:

  • She was overtaken by a wave of sadness during the movie. (The emotion came upon her unexpectedly and strongly.)
  • The village was overtaken by the floodwaters within hours. (The floodwaters suddenly covered the area.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be overtaken by events": to be rendered irrelevant or outdated due to rapid changes.

  • The original plan was overtaken by events, so we had to adapt. (The plan became useless because circumstances changed quickly.)

• "to be overtaken with/by sleep": to fall asleep suddenly or involuntarily.

  • He was overtaken by sleep while reading in the armchair. (He fell asleep unexpectedly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Overtake (verb, base form): to catch up with and pass; to come upon suddenly.

  • You should not overtake on a narrow road. (Do not attempt to pass another vehicle there.)

• Overtaking (present participle/gerund): the act of catching up and passing.

  • Overtaking on the right is illegal in many countries. (The action of passing on the right side is prohibited.)

Synonyms

• Catch up with: to reach the same level or position as someone or something ahead.
• Pass: to go beyond or move ahead of.
• Overcome: to be overwhelmed or affected by a strong emotion or force.

Phrasal Verbs

• Overtake with (usually passive): to be affected by a sudden emotion or condition.
  • The hikers were overtaken with exhaustion after the long climb. (They became extremely tired all at once.)

Related Idioms

• To be overtaken by the night: to have nightfall arrive while one is still traveling or working.
  • We were overtaken by the night before reaching the campsite. (Night fell while we were still on the road.)