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

A day after the Bruins toppled top-ranked South Carolina, they leapfrogged three other unbeaten teams Monday to take over the top spot in the Associated Press rankings.

From Los Angeles Times

But within months of the country’s independence from Belgium in 1960 he was toppled as prime minister.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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