To overcome means to succeed against something difficult or to defeat a challenge through effort and determination. When you overcome a fear of heights by climbing to the top of a rock wall, you've pushed past something that once held you back. When a team overcomes a 10-point deficit to win the game, they've fought back from a disadvantage.

The word captures the struggle involved in victory. You don't overcome easy things; you overcome obstacles, setbacks, or difficulties. A student might overcome shyness to raise her hand in class. An inventor overcomes technical problems to make his device work. A community might overcome disaster to rebuild after a flood.

Overcome can also mean to be overwhelmed by an emotion or force. Someone might be overcome with joy at good news, or overcome by exhaustion after a long day. In this sense, the feeling becomes so strong it takes over.

The word suggests facing something substantial and prevailing through persistence, courage, or strength. When you overcome something, you've proven to yourself that you're stronger than the challenge in your path.