unhorse

[ uhn-hawrs ]

verb (used with object)

, un·horsed, un·hors·ing.

1. to cause to fall from a horse, as in battle; dislodge from the saddle:

   Sir Gawain unhorsed the strange knight.

2. to defeat; overcome; dislodge, as from a position or office:

   His vigorous campaign unhorsed his adversary.

unhorse

/ ʌnˈhɔːs /

verb

1. usually passive to knock or throw from a horse
2. to overthrow or dislodge, as from a powerful position
3. rare.
   to unharness horses from (a carriage, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhorse¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, unhorse is from the Middle English word unhorsen. See un- ², horse

Example Sentences

When Richard is finally unhorsed from power and swallowed into the night, we should feel relieved that his reign of terror has ended.

From New York Times

Unseating Bush was daunting, as it is to unhorse any incumbent president.

From Washington Times

This physical expansion brought with it the soaring costs that have unhorsed so many other bricks-and-mortar retailers.

From BBC

This came after the outgoing speaker had already been unhorsed for his own ethical failings.

From Fox News

An inexperienced back-bench senator thus unhorsed the party front-runner, Hillary Clinton.

From Washington Post