overcome

Etymology

From Middle English overcomen, from Old English ofercuman (“to overcome, subdue, compel, conquer, obtain, attain, reach, overtake”), corresponding to over- + come. Cognate with Dutch overkomen (“to overcome”), German überkommen (“to overcome”), Danish overkomme (“to overcome”), Swedish överkomma (“to overcome”).

verb

1. (transitive) To surmount (a physical or abstract obstacle); to prevail over, to get the better of.
   to overcome enemies in battle
   In the early days troubles were experienced with oscillation from the rod drive and with the transformers, but were overcome later, and these machines performed useful service until superseded by more modern locomotives less costly in maintenance. 1960 December, Cecil J. Allen, “Operating a mountain main line: the Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon: Part One”, in Trains Illustrated, page 743
2. (intransitive) To prevail.
   We shall overcome because Carlyle is right; "no lie can live forever". 1968, Martin Luther King Jr., (Please provide the book title or journal name)
   Preacher: Maintain, my brothers and sisters--we have faced adversity, and overcome. This is but a test! Preacher: Remember the pillars of strength that hold our people high. Show the galaxy our resolve! 2012, BioWare, Mass Effect 3 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Citadel, Docking Bay E24 (Kite's Nest: Pillars of Strength)
3. (transitive) To recover from (a difficulty), to get over
4. (transitive) To win or prevail in some sort of battle, contest, etc.
5. To come or pass over; to spread over.
   I was overcome with anger.
6. (obsolete) To overflow; to surcharge.

noun

1. (Scotland) The burden or recurring theme in a song.
2. (Scotland) A surplus.