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

Since a leaked draft opinion previewed the overturn of Roe in May, progressives have been sounding the alarm that other rights rooted in substantive due process could be similarly under threat.

From TIme

In 1996 he participated in one of the court cases that led to the overturn of sections of the Communications Decency Act aimed at blocking “patently offensive” material online.

From Time

The suit comes after his attempt to overturn the standards via executive order was rejected by a judge in state court last week.

From The Daily Beast

Studies that build on the established body of evidence are more likely to be true than ones that appear to overturn it.

From The Daily Beast

Should a self-respecting democracy have a Supreme Court like ours, with the power to overturn democratic legislation?

From The Daily Beast

The Italian Futurists were prepared to overturn the world as they knew it to achieve their ideal world.

From The Daily Beast

She retaliated by using her telekinetic powers to overturn their party bus.

From The Daily Beast

If you can overturn a rock whose roots are embedded in the depths of ocean, you may hope to turn him from his purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Such an assertion is not to be credited on any less evidence than what would suffice to overturn the law.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no necessity, as a revolutionist might imagine, to overturn the dynasty.

From Project Gutenberg

Their first trip was marked by an accident—Williams contriving to overturn the boat.

From Project Gutenberg

Reaching the dumping ground, standing between the handles of the wheel-barrow, Alfred attempted to overturn it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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