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take over

to assume control of

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to gain control of something; to become responsible for something that someone else was doing

2. (verb) to occupy a place or position by force or authority

Examples

• 1. When the manager left, I took over her job.
• 2. The army took over the government in a military coup.

How to use take over

Take over is used when someone gains control, responsibility, or authority for something, either through succession (a manager takes over a project) or seizure (a military force takes over a country). It can be gradual or immediate. It's more neutral than 'seize' but stronger than 'assume', which suggests formality or legitimacy.

Common phrases

• take over the company
• take over from someone
• take over the reins
• take over responsibility
• take over control
• take over a role

Synonyms

assume control · take charge · take command · seize · assume responsibility

Opposites

relinquish · hand over · surrender

Word family

takeover (noun) · taken over (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'take over' with 'take on'; take over means to assume control of something that exists, while take on means to accept new work or responsibility.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

sum up, take after, take on, take up, touch on, turn down

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained