overcome

o-ver-come · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.

  2. 2.

    To defeat or prevail over an opponent or enemy.

  3. 3.

    (often passive) To be overwhelmed by a strong emotion.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    overcome with emotion — to be overwhelmed by strong feelings
  • •
    overcome the odds — to succeed despite difficulties

Related words

Antonyms: succumb, surrender, yield
See also: conquer, defeat, overwhelm, surmount
Synonyms: conquer, defeat, surmount

Etymology

From Old English ofercuman, from ofer ("over") + cuman ("to come"). The sense of defeating or surmounting developed in Middle English.