take over

What does "take over" mean?

1. To gain control of something (company, position, responsibility)
2. To replace someone in a job or activity
3. To become dominant or more important

Examples

• The new CEO will take over next month.
• Can you take over for me while I'm on vacation?
• A large corporation took over the small business.
• Technology has taken over many aspects of our lives.
• She took over the family business after her father retired.

How to use it

A 'takeover' (noun) refers to gaining control, especially of a company. Common in business and professional contexts.

Word order

Separable when referring to a business: 'take something over' or 'take over something'

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• take off

  To remove clothing or accessories

• take on

  To accept a responsibility, job, or challenge

• take up

  To start a new hobby, activity, or interest

• take out

  To remove something from a place

• take back

  To return something to a store

• take away

  To remove something or someone from a place