overcome

[oh-ver-kuhm]

verb (used with object)

overcame, overcome, overcoming. 

1. to get the better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer; defeat.

   to overcome the enemy.

   Synonyms: vanquish

2. to prevail over (opposition, a debility, temptations, etc.); surmount.

   to overcome one's weaknesses.

3. to overpower or overwhelm in body or mind, as does liquor, a drug, exertion, or emotion.

   I was overcome with grief.

4. Archaic.,  to overspread or overrun.

verb (used without object)

overcame, overcome, overcoming. 

1. to gain the victory; win; conquer.

   a plan to overcome by any means possible.

overcome

/ ˌəʊvəˈkʌm /

verb

1. (tr) to get the better of in a conflict

2. (tr; often passive) to render incapable or powerless by laughter, sorrow, exhaustion, etc

   he was overcome by fumes

3. (tr) to surmount (obstacles, objections, etc)

4. (intr) to be victorious

Other Word Forms

• overcomer noun
• unovercome adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overcome¹

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

Synonym Study

See defeat.

Example Sentences

Sabalenka's ability to overcome the ghosts of this year's Grand Slams will be crucial to her bid for a fourth major singles title - and the same can be said for Anisimova.

From BBC

Wilson added: "It's an amazing mentality and some players when they get there, they stay on that limit. She is always trying to overcome limits. It's hard to be consistent and she is consistent."

From BBC

On Tuesday, she met with the Epstein survivors and was so overcome that she had a “panic attack,” according to reporter Don Lemon, who ran into her immediately after the meeting.

From Salon

By real world, Bellamy meant the aforementioned obstacles he and his players had to overcome in order to win in Astana.

From BBC

He should have been more a part of the conversation last year after single-handedly almost overcoming an appalling defence to drag the Bengals into the play-offs.

From BBC

Related Words

• conquer 
• crush 
• overpower 
• overwhelm 
• reduce 
• stun 
• surmount 
• survive 
• weather 
• win