Meaning & use
Overtook
Last updated
Caught up with and passed someone or something moving in the same direction.
See it in a sentence
The cyclist overtook the leader on the final bend.
A wave of panic overtook the crowd when the alarm sounded.
A note on using this word
This is the simple past tense of 'overtake', a verb formed from 'over' plus the Old English root 'tacan' (to take).
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. verb
Suddenly affected or overwhelmed someone, especially with an emotion.
A feeling of dread overtook him as he opened the letter.
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