overtake
verb uk/ˌəʊ.vəˈteɪk/ us/ˌoʊ.vɚˈteɪk/ overtook | overtaken
(GO PAST)
C1 [ T ]（数量或程度上）大于，超过
to go past something by being a greater amount or degree
Our US sales have now overtaken our sales in Europe. 我们在美国的销售额现已超过了我们在欧洲的销售额。
We'd planned to hold a meeting tomorrow, but events have overtaken us (= things have changed). 我们本打算明天召开一个会议，但情况发生了变化。
B2 [ I or T ] UK (US pass)超过，赶上，追上（人或车辆）
to come from behind another vehicle or a person and move in front of them
Always check your rear view mirror before you overtake (another car). 超车前一定要先看一下后视镜。
- More examples
- I accelerated to overtake the bus.
- Garcia was gaining on her opponent throughout the race, but only overtook her at the very end.
- A continuous white line in the middle of the road means no overtaking.
- DVDs are overtaking videos in popularity.
(HAPPEN)
[ T ]突然降临于；意外发生在
to happen to a person or a place suddenly and unexpectedly
The family was overtaken by tragedy several years ago, and they still haven't recovered. 几年前这家人突遭不幸，到现在还没恢复过来。