overcame

verbbeat, defeat

Synonyms for overcame

verb beat, defeat

Antonyms for overcame

Word Origin & History

Old English ofercuman "to reach, overtake," also "to conquer, prevail over," from ofer (see over) + cuman "to come" (see come (v.)). A common Germanic compound (cf. Middle Dutch overkomen, Old High German ubarqueman, German überkommen). In reference to mental or chemical force, "to overwhelm, render helpless," it is in late Old English. Meaning "to surmount" (a difficulty or obstacle) is from c.1200. The Civil Rights anthem "We Shall Overcome" was put together c.1950s from lyrics from Charles Tindley's spiritual "I'll Overcome Some Day" (1901), and melody from pre-Civil War spiritual "No More Auction Block for Me." Related: Overcame; overcoming.

Example Sentences for overcame

And in that hour the joy of these two who were so fond of each other overcame all their sorrow.

It had carried an alien note that overcame him with instinctive fear and horror.

If Michael were stronger and overcame my party, there would be an end.

Thus the other woman in her tempted and overcame her, and drew her on from day to day.

But a second command, accompanied by a vigorous oath, overcame his hesitation.

He looked up at his friend and secretary in an amazement that overcame his shame.

Finally, he overcame the girl's scruples, and she departed in quest of a ladder.

One after another the Russians overcame all the obstacles in their way.

She overcame objections which, to myself, had seemed insurmountable.

The sleepy feeling which overcame him would have ended in death.