English Explanatory Dictionary

overturn

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To turn over, capsize or upset.
  2. To overthrow or destroy.
  3. To reverse (a decision); to overrule or rescind.
  4. To diminish the significance of a previous defeat by winning; to make a comeback from.
  5. To undergo a limnic eruption, where dissolved gas suddenly erupts from the depths.
noun
  1. A turning over or upside-down; inversion.
  2. The overturning or overthrow of some institution or state of affairs; ruin.

Pronunciation

/ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈtɜː(ɹ)n/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-overturn.wav /ˈəʊvə(ɹ)ˌtɜː(ɹ)n/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-overturn (noun).wav

Word forms

overturn overturns overturning overturned

Etymology

From Middle English overturnen, equivalent to over- + turn. Compare also Middle English overterven (“to overturn”), see terve.

Synonyms

tip over

Derived words

overturnable overturner
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