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.