surmount

UK: /səˈmaʊnt/ | US: /sərˈmaʊnt/

Definition

  1. vt. to overcome (a difficulty or obstacle)

  2. vt. to stand or be placed on top of something

Structure
sur <over>mount <climb>
Etymology

sur<over> + mount<climb>

  • sur: From Old French sur- (over, above), derived from Latin super (over).
  • mount: From Old French monter (to climb), from Latin montare (to climb a mountain), related to mons (mountain).

Etymology Origin:
The word surmount combines the idea of "over" (sur) and "climbing" (mount), originally implying physically ascending above something (e.g., a mountain). Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean overcoming challenges, as if "climbing over" obstacles.

Examples

  1. She managed to surmount all obstacles and graduate with honors.

  2. The castle walls were surmounted by towering battlements.

  3. With determination, he surmounted his fear of public speaking.

  4. The mountain peak is surmounted by a permanent snowcap.

  5. Their teamwork helped them surmount the toughest challenges.