'overtake' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'overtaken', where 'over-' meant 'above' and 'take' meant 'to seize'.

'overtaken' changed from the Middle English word 'overtaken' and eventually became the modern English word 'overtake'.

Initially, it meant 'to seize or capture from above', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to catch up with and pass'.