upend

[ uhp-end ]

verb (used with object)

1. to set on end, as a barrel or ship.
2. to affect drastically or radically, as tastes, opinions, reputations, or systems.
3. to defeat in competition, as in boxing or business.

verb (used without object)

1. to become upended.
2. to place the body back-end up, as a dabbling duck.

upend

/ ʌpˈɛnd /

verb

1. to turn or set or become turned or set on end
2. tr to affect or upset drastically

Word History and Origins

Origin of upend¹

First recorded in 1815–25; up- + end ¹

Example Sentences

Jamie Lloyd, Sam Gold and Kenny Leon, three directors who don’t have all that much in common, conjure unexpected sounds from revivals that upend audience expectations.

From Los Angeles Times

The measure faced steep opposition from local officials and conservative groups such as Policy Issues Institute, who claimed it would be costly and litigious, and upend citizen’s rights.

From Los Angeles Times

The results promise to upend U.S. climate policy: In addition to returning a climate denier to the White House, voters also gave Republicans control of the Senate, laying the groundwork for attacks on everything from electric vehicles to clean energy funding and bolstering support for the fossil fuel industry.

From Salon

His threat to use tariffs to protect U.S. companies and restore American manufacturing could upend energy markets.

From Salon

As for why the Times’ tech workers are acting to upend their own website on the most important news day of the year, this moment has actually been years in the making.

From Slate

Related Words

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