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take over
/teɪk ˈoʊvər/◆phrasal verb
assume control or responsibility
The new CEO will take over the company next month.
The new CEO will assume control of the company next month.
general
To assume control or responsibility for something, often replacing someone else.
After the merger, the larger company took over the smaller one.
The larger company assumed control of the smaller one after the merger.
She took over the project when the previous manager left.
She assumed responsibility for the project when the previous manager left.
This phrasal verb is commonly used in business, management, and leadership contexts.
general
To spread or become widespread, often in a negative or uncontrollable way.
The virus took over the city within weeks.
The virus spread rapidly and became widespread in the city within weeks.
His emotions took over, and he couldn't think clearly.
His emotions became overwhelming, and he couldn't think clearly.
This usage is less common but still valid in certain contexts.
Collocations
take over a companyassume control of a companytake over a projectassume responsibility for a projecttake over a roleassume a role or position
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'take over' can vary slightly depending on the context. In business, it often means assuming control, while in other contexts, it can mean becoming widespread or dominant.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
While 'take over' is generally neutral, it can be used in both formal and informal settings. In formal contexts, it is often used in business and management discussions.
Word Origin
The phrase 'take over' is a combination of the verb 'take' and the preposition 'over,' which together convey the idea of assuming control or responsibility. The usage has been documented since the early 19th century.
Usage Notes
This phrasal verb is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in business, management, and leadership discussions.
Word Breakdown
take
to grasp or assume
rootover
indicates control or dominance
prepositionEnglish Dictionary