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

In the state of Missouri, Amendment 3 passed, which will enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution and overturn the state’s current ban.

From Salon

In 2020, Gaetz refused to accept President Joe Biden’s victory and cast his vote in the House to overturn the results of the election.

From Slate

Using legislation to achieve these ends will make such plans much harder to overturn in the courts - something Donald Trump was plagued by in his first term when he extensively used executive orders that were regularly and often successfully challenged.

From BBC

In 2020, the then-president ripped into the South Dakota senator for declining to aid him in his attempt to overturn the election results.

From Salon

In drafting this amendment, Congress expressly intended to overturn Dred Scott, the odious 1857 decision that denied citizenship to Black Americans.

From Slate

Related Words

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