The English phrasal verb TAKE OVER has the following meanings:

1. Take over = to assume control

(transitive) When someone assumes control and is in charge of responsibilities, people, or duties. To begin to do something that someone else was doing.

• The leader of my group left, so I decided to take over.
• I have decided to take over the business now that my father has retired.
• You look sick, you should go home. Don’t worry, I’ll take over for you.
• The company was taken over by an experienced businessman.
• The government was taken over by the rebel forces.

2. Take over = to buy out the ownership of a company

(transitive) When one company buys the majority of shares in another company in order to control it

• Our company has been taken over by a British conglomerate.

3. Take over = to conquer

(transitive) Take over can also mean conquer, especially in historical situations (a king taking over another country).

• Gibraltar was taken over by a Castilian force in August 1492.

Take over – Summary Chart