capsize

[ kap-sahyz, kap-sahyz ]

verb (used with or without object)

, cap·sized, cap·siz·ing.

1. to turn bottom up; overturn: With a strong kick he capsized the stool.

   The ferry capsized and sank in minutes.

   With a strong kick he capsized the stool.

2. to upset or collapse: He has a secret that could capsize his career.

   Their marriage almost capsized when they lost their only child.

   He has a secret that could capsize his career.

capsize

/ kæpˈsaɪz /

verb

1. to overturn accidentally; upset

Derived Forms

• capˈsizal, noun

Other Words From

• capsiz·a·ble adjective
• noncap·siza·ble adjective
• un·capsiz·a·ble adjective
• un·capsized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsize¹

First recorded in 1780–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsize¹

C18: of uncertain origin

Synonym Study

See upset.

Example Sentences

At least 54 bodies have now been recovered from Nigeria’s River Niger after a boat, that may have been carrying more than 200 passengers, capsized in the early hours of Friday, the authorities say.

From BBC

He said his father fled Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, but his boat capsized, killing his wife and children.

From Los Angeles Times

George Taft, 65, and Ian Catterson, 73, drowned in February last year when MV Biter capsized while assisting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship.

From BBC

The deputies are also searching for one other boater, as the Phommathep boat was the first of two that capsized within 48 hours in Bodega Bay, where ocean conditions continued to become more dangerous.

From Los Angeles Times

Two people have been confirmed dead and several more are missing after two separate boats capsized in the past few days off Northern California’s Bodega Bay amid increasingly dangerous winds.

From Los Angeles Times