Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):
   • To assume control, command, or responsibility for something, often from another person or entity.
   • To acquire or gain control of a company, organization, or territory, typically by purchasing a majority of its shares or by force.
   • To become dominant or prevalent; to succeed something else in time or position.

Usage and Examples

• To assume control or responsibility:
  • When the manager is sick, her deputy will take over the team meetings.
  • The new software will take over the task of data analysis.
• To gain control of a business or organization:
  • The large corporation plans to take over the smaller competitor.
  • After the merger, the parent company will take over all operations.
• To become dominant or to replace:
  • A feeling of panic began to take over as the deadline approached.
  • In autumn, the red and gold leaves take over the landscape.

Advanced Usage

• "to take over from someone": To replace someone in a role or job.
  • She will take over from the current director when he retires.
• "to take over the reins": To assume control or leadership (often of an organization or project).
  • The founder's daughter is ready to take over the reins of the family business.

Variants and Related Words

• Takeover (noun): The act of gaining control of a company.
  • The hostile takeover was announced this morning.
• Taking over (gerund/noun phrase): The process of assuming control.
  • The smooth taking over of responsibilities ensured no disruption.

Synonyms

• Assume control, seize, acquire, appropriate, commandeer, succeed, relieve, buy out.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Take over for (someone): To temporarily perform someone's duties.
  • Can you take over for me at the front desk while I take a break?

Related Idioms

• Take over the helm: To take control, especially of a ship or organization (similar to "take over the reins").
  • With the new CEO taking over the helm, the company expects a fresh strategy.

Verb

1. take up, as of debts or payments
   • absorb the costs for something
2. take up and practice as one's own
3. do over
   • They would like to take it over again
4. take over ownership of; of corporations and companies
5. take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person
   • I'll accept the charges
   • She agreed to bear the responsibility
6. free someone temporarily from his or her obligations
7. take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
   • When will the new President assume office?
8. seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
   • He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
   • he usurped my rights
   • She seized control of the throne after her husband died