to "overtake" a computer (UNCLASSIFIED)

[Mullins, Bill AMRDEC]

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Or maybe she meant "take over".



> -----Original Message-----
> From: American Dialect Society [mailto:ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On
> Behalf Of Joel S. Berson
> Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 1:53 PM
> To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
> Subject: to "overtake" a computer
>
> ---------------------- Information from the mail header
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> --------
> Sender:       American Dialect Society <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
> Poster:       "Joel S. Berson" <Berson at ATT.NET>
> Subject:      to "overtake" a computer
>
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> --------
>
> In an article in today's Boston Globe about viruses that hide within
> downloaded images of celebrities, its writer says "Once downloaded,
> they overtake the computer, resulting in pop-up screens or even
> identity theft."
>
> She must be thinking of fast mobile computers.
>
> I don't think she really meant "overtake, v.", either
> 2.c. To become greater or more successful than; or
> 5.    To overpower the will, senses, or feelings of; to win over,
> captivate; to overwhelm with emotion.  [We all know computers don't
> have emotions to be captivated.]
>
> Perhaps she meant
> 8. Chiefly Sc. To take up or occupy the whole of (a space); to extend
> over, cover. Obs.; or
> 9.  To overcome the judgement of; to deceive, take in.  Obs.
>
> But as the lyrics to the theme song for "Monk" say, "But I don't think
> so."
>
> Joel
>
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> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

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