overtook
Definition
- Verb (past tense of ):
- To catch up with and pass: "overtook" means to come from behind and go past someone or something, typically in motion (e.g., in a race, on a road).
- To happen to someone suddenly: "overtook" can also mean that an event or feeling came upon someone unexpectedly or caught them off guard.
Usage Examples
To catch up with and pass:
- The runner overtook her competitor in the final lap of the race. (She passed the other runner from behind.)
- The car overtook the slow truck on the highway. (The car moved past the truck.)
To happen suddenly:
- A sense of panic overtook him when he realized he was lost. (Anxiety came upon him unexpectedly.)
- The storm overtook the sailors before they could reach the harbor. (The storm caught them suddenly.)
Advanced Usage
"to be overtaken by events": to be surprised or affected by developments that occur faster than expected.
- The political plan was overtaken by events when the government collapsed. (The plan became irrelevant due to sudden changes.)
"overtook in drink": an archaic or formal phrase meaning to become drunk or affected by alcohol.
- He was overtaken in drink and could not drive home. (He became intoxicated.)
Variants and Related Words
Overtake (v, present tense): to catch up with and pass.
- You should not overtake on a curve. (Do not pass another vehicle on a bend.)
Overtaken (v, past participle): having been caught up with and passed, or affected suddenly.
- The car was overtaken by a faster vehicle. (It was passed.)
Synonyms
- Pass: to go beyond or across.
- Surpass: to exceed or outdo.
- Catch up to: to reach the same level as someone or something.
- Overcome: to be affected strongly by an emotion or event.
Related Idioms
Overtake the competition: to become more successful than rivals.
- Their new product quickly overtook all competitors in sales. (It surpassed them.)
Overtaken by fear: to be suddenly overwhelmed by fear.
- She was overtaken by fear when she heard the noise. (Fear suddenly dominated her.)