take over

What it means

To assume control of something, such as a company, a task, or a role previously done by someone else. It can suggest a peaceful handover or a more forceful seizure of control.

Examples

• She'll take over the marketing department when David retires.
• A larger company took over the family business last year.
• Can you take over driving? I'm getting tired.
• Tourists have completely taken over this small coastal town in summer.

Where it comes from

Separable: 'take it over' works in some contexts, though many native speakers prefer 'take over the role'. The noun 'takeover' is common in business contexts.

Related phrasal verbs