OVERCOME Definition & Meaning

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overcome

[ oh-ver-kuhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

overcame overcome, overcoming.

to get the better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer; defeat:
to overcome the enemy.
Synonyms:
to prevail over (opposition, a debility, temptations, etc.); surmount:
to overcome one's weaknesses.
to overpower or overwhelm in body or mind, as does liquor, a drug, exertion, or emotion:
I was overcome with grief.
Archaic. to overspread or overrun.

verb (used without object)

overcame overcome, overcoming.

to gain the victory; win; conquer:
a plan to overcome by any means possible.

overcome

/ ˌəʊ��əˈ��ʌ�� /

verb

tr to get the better of in a conflict
tr; often passive to render incapable or powerless by laughter, sorrow, exhaustion, etc
he was overcome by fumes
tr to surmount (obstacles, objections, etc)
intr to be victorious

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Other �y��vlog Forms

��·��·��ǳ�·�� noun
�ܲ�·��·��·��ǳ�� adjective

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of overcome¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English ofercuman; over-, come

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Synonym Study

See defeat.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

They finally overcame the Sweet 16 hurdle that tripped them up five times under Close.

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"That's a unique challenge, but I accepted that challenge so I've got to try to find a way to overcome it."

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As the crowd rose in a standing ovation, Lance Bottoms appeared overcome by emotion, placing her head in her hands.

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But some are concerned that they enhance preferences for sweet tastes in children which can be hard to overcome.

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Some aid workers are hopeful that, given the scale of Friday's earthquake and the international appeal for assistance by Min Aung Hlaing, it may be easier to overcome barriers and provide aid more efficiently.

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