Sur*mount" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Surmounted; p. pr. & vb. n. Surmounting.] [OE. sourmounten, OF. surmonter, sormonter, F. surmonter; sur over + monter to mount. See Sur-, and Mount, v. i.]

1.

To rise above; to be higher than; to overtop.

The mountains of Olympus, Athos, and Atlas, overreach and surmount all winds and clouds. Sir W. Raleigh.

2.

To conquer; to overcome; as, to surmount difficulties or obstacles.

Macaulay.

3.

To surpass; to exceed.

Spenser.

What surmounts the reach Of human sense I shall delineate. Milton.

Syn. -- To conquer; overcome; vanquish; subdue; surpass; exceed.

 

© Webster 1913.