overturn

[ verb oh-ver-turn; noun oh-ver-turn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (something) to turn onto its side, face, or back; upset:

   to overturn a vase.

2. to destroy the power or validity of; overthrow; defeat: The new findings have not overturned the theory itself.

   The conspiracy finally overturned the regime.

   The new findings have not overturned the theory itself.

   Synonyms: conquer

3. to reverse (an official or legal decision):

   Rather than accept defeat, the company filed a complaint in federal appeals court to overturn the ruling.

verb (used without object)

1. to turn onto its side, face, or back; capsize:

   When his canoe overturned, he lost scientific instruments and journals.

noun

1. the act of overturning.
2. the state of being overturned.

overturn

verb

1. to turn or cause to turn from an upright or normal position
2. tr to overthrow or destroy
3. tr to invalidate; reverse

   the bill was passed in the Commons but overturned in the Lords

noun

1. the act of overturning or the state of being overturned

Other Words From

• o·ver·turn·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overturn¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; over-, turn

Synonym Study

See upset.

Example Sentences

But one council member threatened a ballot measure to overturn the resolution, prompting the council to drop the word “sanctuary.”

From Los Angeles Times

It was back in 2012 that Mr John made the decision to resign from his hunt - after losing confidence the ban would ever be overturned.

From BBC

Trump's lawyers want a judge to overturn his New York conviction on the grounds of presidential immunity, and because of his impending term in the White House.

From BBC

If Spain are unable to overturn the deficit in the best-of-three tie, there will be no further opportunity for Nadal to play again.

From BBC

Two years before she demanded that university presidents resign, Stefanik was asked to resign from a Harvard advisory board for supporting Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

From Salon

Related Words

• annul
• capsize
• invalidate
• nullify
• repeal
• rescind
• reverse
• set aside
• topple
• void