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

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

"That belief, to overcome challenges, is paramount in sport and in life - that you have this mentality in overcoming challenges."

From BBC

The lineup couldn’t overcome another big deficit, scoring twice in the seventh only for the Pirates to get the runs back in the next two innings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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