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View synonyms for

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:
  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

/ ˌəʊəˈʌ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • overcomer noun
  • unovercome adjective
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Word 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.

"The videos are encouraging people to take up habits I spent the last seven years trying to overcome," she added.

From

When overcome by uncertainty, pragmatism is the way to go.

From

This is the point where I am required to overcome my audience's skepticism by checking my reactions against the all-seeing data.

From

Molby also believes Frank's character and man-management style will help him overcome any early obstacles with players hurt by Postecoglou's sacking, and with fans looking for signs of how he measures up to the task.

From

Even then, alarm bells have been ringing, especially when England struggled to overcome Andorra, ranked 173rd in the world and just above Grenada and Nepal, in their third World Cup qualifier.

From

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