topple

[ top-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, top·pled, top·pling.

1. to fall forward, as from having too heavy a top; pitch; tumble down.
2. to lean over or jut, as if threatening to fall.

verb (used with object)

, top·pled, top·pling.

1. to cause to topple.
2. to overthrow, as from a position of authority:

   to topple the king.

   Synonyms: overpower, overcome, vanquish, defeat

topple

/ ˈtɒpəl /

verb

1. to tip over or cause to tip over, esp from a height
2. intr to lean precariously or totter
3. tr to overthrow; oust

Other Words From

• un·toppled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of topple¹

1535–45; earlier top to tilt, topple ( tope ¹ ) + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of topple¹

C16: frequentative of top ¹(verb)

Example Sentences

Bongo had ruled for 14 years before he was toppled.

From BBC

In 2021, the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, 20 years after a US-led invasion toppled their regime in the fallout of the 9/11 attacks in New York.

From BBC

As recently as May, a Telegram account ostensibly linked to the party posted a video calling for the violent toppling of electrical towers and the destruction of power grids.

From Salon

He scrambled up the middle for eight yards on the Chargers’ first possession, juking Tennessee linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. so aggressively that the former Chargers linebacker toppled to the turf.

From Los Angeles Times

Two years earlier, on Pico Boulevard, a crane holding a billboard toppled over and chaos ensued.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• collapse
• oust
• overturn
• plunge
• tumble
• unseat
• upset