topple

American  

[top-uhl] / ˈtɒp əl /

verb (used without object)

toppled, toppling

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.

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verb (used with object)

toppled, toppling

1. to cause to topple.

2. to overthrow, as from a position of authority.

   to topple the king.

   Synonyms:

   overpower, overcome, vanquish, defeat

topple British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• untoppled adjective

Etymology

Origin of topple

1535–45; earlier top to tilt, topple ( tope ¹ ) + -le

Related Words

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