overtake
verb
- act of one vehicle going past another slower moving vehicle
- surpass, go past
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈəʊ̯vəːteɪ̯k/ / /ˈoʊ̯vɚteɪ̯k/ / /əʊ̯vəːˈteɪ̯k/ / /oʊ̯vɚˈteɪ̯k/
noun
Etymology: From Middle English overtaken, likely a replacement alteration (as the Middle English verb taken replaced nimen (“to take”)), of Middle English overnimen (“to overtake”), from Old English oferniman (“to take by surprise, overtake”), equivalent to over- + take.
- An act of overtaking; an overtaking maneuver.
“There wasn't enough distance left before the bend for an overtake, so I had to trundle behind the tractor for another mile.”
verb
Etymology: From Middle English overtaken, likely a replacement alteration (as the Middle English verb taken replaced nimen (“to take”)), of Middle English overnimen (“to overtake”), from Old English oferniman (“to take by surprise, overtake”), equivalent to over- + take.
- To pass a slower moving object or entity (on the side closest to oncoming traffic).
“The racehorse overtook the lead pack on the last turn.”
“The car was so slow we were overtaken by a bus.”
- To become greater than something else in quantity, worth, etc.
“Grocery sales in the north have overtaken those in the south.”
- To take by surprise; surprise and overcome; carry away.
“Our plans were overtaken by events.”
“VVhy didſt thou promiſe ſuch a beautious day, / And make me trauaile forth vvithout my cloake, / To let bace cloudes ore-take me in my vvay, / Hiding thy brau'ry in their rotten ſmoke.”