I need help settling a debate regarding the correct usage of the verb eclipse.
The headline in question is (slightly paraphrased):
Runner Completes 2mi Run; Eclipses 12m Result
Now, let's assume the 12m result is nobody else's (the runner does not compare himself to any other runner)— but rather a hint at the final result of the runner which is, say, 12:05m.
The headline above uses eclipse in the sense of achieved a result that is above X, and not in the sense of achieved a result which puts the other result in its shadow. MW dictionary lists exceed as one of the translations, but I gather it is in the sense of exceed an achievement or result made by someone else or at an earlier time.
Does the headline make a correct/sensible use of the verb given the assumption mentioned above about the result?
Best Answer
I think the sentence is fine.
I feel that both 2a and 2b meanings apply:
See also these samples showing that the usage is well established for quite a while:
_
_
And if there are any doubts caused by "his own" character of the performance: