Definition of 'overcome'

Word Frequency

overcome

(oʊvəʳkʌm )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense overcomes , present participle overcoming , past tense overcame language note: The form overcome is used in the present tense and is also the past participle.

1. verb

If you overcome a problem or a feeling, you successfully deal with it and control it.

Molly had fought and overcome her fear of flying. [VERB noun]

Find a way to overcome your difficulties. [VERB noun]

2. verb

If you are overcome by a feeling or event, it is so strong or has such a strong effect that you cannot think clearly.

The night before the test I was overcome by fear and despair. [be VERB-ed]

A dizziness overcame him, blurring his vision. [VERB noun]

3. verb [usually passive]

If you are overcome by smoke or a poisonous gas, you become very ill or die from breathing it in.

The residents were trying to escape from the fire but were overcome by smoke. [be VERB-ed]

More Synonyms of overcome

Video: pronunciation of 'overcome'

Word Frequency

overcome in British

(ˌəʊvəˈkʌm )

verb -comes, -coming, -came or -come

1. (transitive)

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. (transitive)

to surmount (obstacles, objections, etc)

4. (intransitive)

to be victorious

Word Frequency

overcome in American

(ˌoʊvərˈkʌm ; ōˌvərkumˈ)

verb transitiveWord forms: ˌoverˈcame, ˌoverˈcome, ˌoverˈcoming

to get the better of in competition, struggle, etc.; conquer

to master, prevail over, or surmount

to overcome obstacles

to make helpless; overpower or overwhelm

overcome by pity

verb intransitive

to be victorious; win

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈconquer

Word origin of 'overcome'

ME ouercomen < OE ofercuman

Example sentences containing 'overcome'

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I ought to be able to overcome these feelings but they still well up inside me. The Sun (2016)Two school friends have died after being overcome by leaking gas fumes in holiday accommodation. Times, Sunday Times (2010)She was overcome by smoke and battled back to life from a coma. The Sun (2012)They overcome fear and become strong and successful. Hopkins, Tom The Guide to Greatness in Sales (1994)Positive thinking is also essential when you want to overcome your fear. Vera Peiffer POSITIVELY FEARLESS: Breaking free of the fears that hold you back (2001)They need responsibility to overcome their feelings of inferiority. Peter F. Drucker MANAGEMENT: task, responsibilities, practices (1974)He had clearly overcome any early lack of confidence. Times, Sunday Times (2015)She overcame this to become a teacher. Times, Sunday Times (2014)It has helped me overcome my fear of boring the board with repetition. Christianity Today (2000)The box below will give you tips on how to overcome these negative feelings. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Overcoming your feelings of guilt is quite another matter. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Will he overcome his fear and win over the other competitors with his big heart and his pluck? Times, Sunday Times (2013)Most of the inJured were overcome by gas. Times, Sunday Times (2013)The British double have become experts at overcoming tough situations. Times, Sunday Times (2012)These groups are often chaired by people who have overcome their particular fear problem and are in a position to give very sound advice. Vera Peiffer POSITIVELY FEARLESS: Breaking free of the fears that hold you back (2001)Both been overcome by smoke. The Sun (2013)It seemed as if the thought of him upset all her composure, destroyed the calm, overcame the exhaustion. Elizabeth Gaskell North and South (1855)