Overcome

/ˌəʊ.vəˈkʌm/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To surmount (a physical or abstract obstacle); to prevail over, to get the better of..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To surmount (a physical or abstract obstacle); to prevail over, to get the better of.
2. (intransitive) To prevail.
3. (transitive) To recover from (a difficulty), to get over.
4. (transitive) To win against or prevail over in some sort of battle, contest, etc.
5. To come or pass over; to spread over.
6. (obsolete) To overflow; to surcharge.
7. (Scotland) The burden or recurring theme in a song.
8. (Scotland) A surplus.

Example Sentences

But sith this wretched woman ouercome / Of anguish, rather then of crime hath beene,

By and by fumes of brandy began to fill the air, and climb to where I lay, overcoming the mouldy smell of decayed wood and the dampness of the green walls.

In the early days troubles were experienced with oscillation from the rod drive and with the transformers, but were overcome later, and these machines performed useful service until superseded by more modern locomotives less costly in maintenance.

Hee that ouercommeth, the same shalbe clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the booke of life, but I will confesse his name before my Father, and before his Angels.

We shall overcome because Carlyle is right; "no lie can live forever".

Preacher: Maintain, my brothers and sisters--we have faced adversity, and overcome. This is but a test! Preacher: Remember the pillars of strength that hold our people high. Show the galaxy our resolve!

to overcome enemies in battle

Ther with all cam kyng Arthur but with a fewe peple and slewe on the lyfte hand and on the ryght hand that wel nyhe ther escaped no man / but alle were slayne to the nombre of xxx M / And whan the bataille was all ended the kynge kneled doune and thanked god mekely / and thenne he sente for the quene and soone she was come / and she maade grete Ioye of the ouercomynge of that bataille

Synonyms for overcome

Antonyms for overcome

Related Words

Word Forms

• overcomes
• overcoming
• overcame
• overcome
• o'ercome

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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