overthrow

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

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·threw, o·ver·thrown, o·ver·throw·ing.

1. to depose, as from a position of power; overcome, defeat, or vanquish:

   to overthrow a tyrant.

   Synonyms: overpower, conquer

2. to put an end to by force, as a government or institution.
3. to throw or knock down; overturn; topple:

   The heavy winds overthrew numerous telephone poles and trees.

4. to knock down and demolish.

   Synonyms: level, raze, destroy

5. to throw (something) too far.
6. Baseball. (of a pitcher) to throw too hard, often affecting control or straining the arm.
7. Archaic. to destroy the sound condition of (the mind).

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·threw, o·ver·thrown, o·ver·throw·ing.

1. to throw too far:

   If I hadn't overthrown, it would have been a sure putout.

noun

1. the act of overthrowing; state or condition of being overthrown.
2. deposition from power.
3. defeat; destruction; ruin.

   Synonyms: fall

overthrow

verb

1. tr to effect the downfall or destruction of (a ruler, institution, etc), esp by force
2. tr to throw or turn over
3. tr to throw (something, esp a ball) too far

noun

1. an act of overthrowing
2. downfall; destruction
3. cricket
   1. a ball thrown back too far by a fielder
   2. a run scored because of this

Other Words From

• over·thrower noun
• pre·over·throw noun
• preo·ver·throw verb (used with object) preoverthrew preoverthrown preoverthrowing
• uno·ver·thrown adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overthrow¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; over-, throw

Example Sentences

She was sentenced to five years in prison over allegations, which she denies, of plotting to overthrow the Tehran government.

From BBC

A peaceful protester, Maria Kolesnikova was sentenced to 11 years for extremism and supposedly plotting to overthrow the government.

From BBC

Americans have seemingly embraced a known monster, someone who sells political violence and hatred, who tried to overthrow the last election.

From Salon

Voters simply chose to forget that less than four years ago, Trump tried to overthrow the American system of government, live on national television.

From Slate

Some of those in court in the capital, Abuja, on Friday were accused of flying Russian flags and planning to overthrow the Nigerian government.

From BBC

Related Words

• abolish
• conquer
• crush
• depose
• dethrone
• eradicate
• oust
• overcome
• overrun
• overturn
• put an end to
• raze
• subdue
• subvert
• topple
• unseat
• vanquish