overturn

/'ouvətə:n/

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Explanation of "Overturn"

The word "overturn" is a verb that means to turn something over or to cause it to be in a different position. It can also mean to change a decision, law, or ruling, especially in a way that cancels or reverses it.

Academic

Noun

1. an improbable and unexpected victory
   • the biggest upset since David beat Goliath
2. the act of upsetting something
   • he was badly bruised by the upset of his sled at a high speed

Verb

1. change radically
   • E-mail revolutionized communication in academe
2. cancel officially
   • He revoked the ban on smoking
   • lift an embargo
   • vacate a death sentence
3. cause the downfall of; of rulers
   • The Czar was overthrown
   • subvert the ruling class
4. rule against
   • The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill
5. cause to overturn from an upright or normal position
   • The cat knocked over the flower vase
   • the clumsy customer turned over the vase
   • he tumped over his beer
6. turn from an upright or normal position
   • The big vase overturned
   • The canoe tumped over

Synonyms

• upset
• turnover
• revolutionize
• revolutionise
• revoke
• annul
• lift
• countermand
• reverse
• repeal
• rescind
• vacate
• overthrow
• subvert
• bring down
• overrule
• override
• tip over
• turn over
• knock over
• bowl over
• tump over