take-over
Definition
- Noun:
- The act of assuming control or possession: "take-over" refers to the act of gaining control over something, such as a company, government, or property, often by force or legal means.
- In business: A "take-over" specifically denotes the acquisition of one company by another, typically through the purchase of a majority of its shares.
Usage Examples
- General: (The military assumed control of the government.)
- Business: (A large company acquired the small company against its will.)
Advanced Usage
"a take-over bid": an offer to buy a company, often in a competitive or contested manner.
- The board rejected the take-over bid from the rival company. (The board refused the offer to be acquired.)
"to stage a take-over": to plan and execute the act of assuming control.
- The rebels staged a take-over of the radio station. (The rebels seized control of the station.)
Variants and Related Words
Take over (phrasal verb): to assume control of something.
- She will take over the family business when her father retires. (She will assume control of the business.)
Takeover (noun, alternative spelling): same as "take-over," often written as one word.
- The takeover was completed last month. (The acquisition was finalized.)
Synonyms
- Acquisition: the act of obtaining control or possession, especially in business.
- Seizure: the act of taking control by force or legal authority.
- Coup: a sudden, violent, and illegal take-over of a government.
Related Idioms
Take the reins: to assume control or leadership.
- After the CEO's resignation, the vice president took the reins. (The vice president assumed control of the company.)
Call the shots: to be in charge; to make decisions.
- In a take-over, the acquiring company calls the shots. (The acquiring company makes the decisions.)