Take over Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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take over

[ˈteɪk ˈoʊvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Phrasal verb}

business

To take control of something or become responsible for it, especially by force.

Synonyms

assume control, take charge, take command.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
take over	This phrase is typically used when someone takes control or responsibility from someone else, often in a formal or official capacity. It suggests a transition of authority or duty. She will take over as manager when he retires. The new CEO took over the company last year.
assume control	This is often used in more formal or legal contexts, indicating that someone is officially taking control of an organization, situation, or process. It can also imply a sense of duty or responsibility. The vice president will assume control during the president's absence. The new director has assumed control of the project.
take charge	This phrase is generally used to describe someone stepping up to lead or manage a situation, often in informal settings or when immediate action is needed. It has a proactive or decisive connotation. She decided to take charge and organize the event. Someone needs to take charge of this project before it falls apart.
take command	This is commonly used in military or formal contexts, indicating someone stepping into a leadership role with authority. It suggests strong leadership and direction. The captain will take command of the ship at 0600 hours. He took command of the team and led them to victory.

Examples of usage

He took over the company after the previous CEO retired.
The new manager plans to take over the project next week.

^{Context #2 | Phrasal verb}

sports

To gain control of the ball, puck, or other object during a game or competition.

Synonyms

gain possession, seize control.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
take over	This phrase is commonly used in contexts where one person or group assumes control or responsibility for something from another. It is often used in business and organizational settings. The new manager will take over the team starting next week The company plans to take over smaller competitors to expand its market share
gain possession	This phrase is often used in legal, financial, or formal contexts where someone acquires ownership or control of physical or digital property. After the death of their parents, the siblings will gain possession of the family estate She had to wait years to gain possession of her inheritance
seize control	This phrase is typically used in more dramatic or aggressive scenarios, such as military, political, or crisis situations, and often carries a negative connotation. The military attempted to seize control of the government during the coup Hackers tried to seize control of the network and demand a ransom

Word

Description / Examples

take over

This phrase is commonly used in contexts where one person or group assumes control or responsibility for something from another. It is often used in business and organizational settings.

The new manager will take over the team starting next week
The company plans to take over smaller competitors to expand its market share

gain possession

This phrase is often used in legal, financial, or formal contexts where someone acquires ownership or control of physical or digital property.

After the death of their parents, the siblings will gain possession of the family estate
She had to wait years to gain possession of her inheritance

seize control

This phrase is typically used in more dramatic or aggressive scenarios, such as military, political, or crisis situations, and often carries a negative connotation.

The military attempted to seize control of the government during the coup
Hackers tried to seize control of the network and demand a ransom

Examples of usage

The midfielder managed to take over possession and pass it to a teammate.
The team's star player is known for her ability to take over games in the final minutes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

In corporate culture, a 'takeover' refers specifically to one company gaining control over another, often through purchasing a majority of its shares.
Hostile takeovers occur when the target company’s management opposes the acquisition, leading to a battle for control.
Takeovers can drastically reshape the industry landscape, leading to mergers that create larger, more competitive entities.

History

The concept of taking over territories dates back to ancient civilizations, such as empires expanding their borders through conquest.
In the 20th century, many nations underwent 'takeovers' in the form of revolutions and regime changes that transformed their governance.
Significant historical takeovers, like the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, highlighted the transition of power and ideology.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict takeovers as dramatic events, portraying the tension between rival factions in narratives about power struggles.
The popular video game series 'Civilization' involves players taking over territories and managing resources to build empires.
Television shows frequently dramatize corporate takeovers, illustrating the cutthroat nature of business competition.

Psychology

When discussing personal dynamics, taking over can relate to assertiveness, where individuals may dominate conversations or group decisions.
The concept of 'takeover' can also apply to mental states, where negative thoughts or feelings can 'take over' a person's mindset.
In social situations, some people naturally take over leadership roles, while others may prefer a supportive or background position.

Origin of 'take over'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'take over' emerged in English around the 15th century, originally implying the act of seizing or acquiring.
The word 'take' comes from Old English 'tacan,' which means to grasp or seize.
Over time, 'take over' has evolved to encompass broad meanings, including business acquisitions and leadership transitions.

The phrase 'take over' originated in the 19th century, combining the verb 'take' with the preposition 'over'. It has been widely used in various contexts, from business to sports, to denote the action of assuming control or responsibility for something. Over time, 'take over' has become a common phrasal verb in the English language, symbolizing the act of seizing power or authority.