overcome
overcome Lexical Profile
overcome Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To successfully deal with, master, or gain control over a problem, difficulty, or obstacle.
"Through months of dedicated physical therapy, the pianist was able to overcome her wrist injury."
To defeat or prevail over an opponent or competitor in a struggle, contest, or conflict.
"The visiting chess grandmaster managed to overcome the defending champion in the final round."
To overwhelm, incapacitate, or deeply affect someone emotionally or physically (usually used in the passive voice).
"Several firefighters were nearly overcome by thick smoke while ventilating the warehouse roof."
• adjective
Completely overwhelmed or rendered powerless by a strong emotion, physical condition, or external force (used predicatively).
"Speaking at the retirement banquet, the lifelong educator was visibly overcome with gratitude."
Word Nuance & Usage
Like 'come', the verb 'overcome' is irregular: its past simple form is 'overcame', while its past participle returns to 'overcome' (e.g., 'She has overcome many obstacles'). As a predicative adjective ('to be overcome with/by emotion'), it always describes being passively overwhelmed rather than victorious.
• Rhymes for overcome
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'ofercuman', meaning to reach, surpass, or conquer, formed from the prefix 'ofer-' (over) and 'cuman' (to come).