1chiefly British catch up with and pass while travelling in the same direction:the driver overtook a line of vehicles [no object]:he overtook in the face of oncoming traffic
become greater or more successful than:Germany rapidly overtook Britain in industrial output
2(especially of misfortune) come suddenly or unexpectedly upon:disaster overtook the town in ad 296
(of a feeling) affect (someone) suddenly and powerfully:weariness overtook him and he retired to bed