overthrow
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to depose, as from a position of power; overcome, defeat, or vanquish.
to overthrow a tyrant.
-
to put an end to by force, as a government or institution.
-
to throw or knock down; overturn; topple.
The heavy winds overthrew numerous telephone poles and trees.
-
to knock down and demolish.
-
to throw (something) too far.
-
Baseball. (of a pitcher) to throw too hard, often affecting control or straining the arm.
-
Archaic. to destroy the sound condition of (the mind).
verb (used without object)
noun
-
the act of overthrowing; state or condition of being overthrown.
-
deposition from power.
-
defeat; destruction; ruin.
- Synonyms:
- fall
verb
-
(tr) to effect the downfall or destruction of (a ruler, institution, etc), esp by force
-
(tr) to throw or turn over
-
(tr) to throw (something, esp a ball) too far
noun
-
an act of overthrowing
-
downfall; destruction
-
cricket
-
a ball thrown back too far by a fielder
-
a run scored because of this
-
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has overthrownperfect 3rd person singular
-
have overthrownperfect
-
is overthrowingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am overthrowingprogressive 1st person singular
-
overthrowingparticiple
-
have been overthrowingperfect progressive
-
has been overthrowingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are overthrowingprogressive
-
overthrowssingular 3rd person
Past
-
had overthrownperfect
-
was overthrowingprogressive singular
-
were overthrowingprogressive plural
-
had been overthrowingperfect progressive
-
overthrownparticiple
-
overthrewsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of overthrow
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at over-, throw
Explanation
When you overthrow a ruler or a regime, you throw them out, usually by force. If you're a rebel you may plan to overthrow the current government and install a new regime. You can also use overthrow as a noun. You might plot to overthrow the parking ticket authority so that you won't have to pay your tickets. There are also more literal uses of the word. In baseball, football, and other games that involve throwing a ball, you overthrow when you throw the ball past the person you're aiming for. You can say "the pitcher overthrew the ball to the first baseman," or "the pitcher overthrew the first baseman."
Vocabulary lists containing overthrow
100 SAT words Beginning with "O"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Death, be not proud" by John Donne
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Catching Fire
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Slater thinks a new set of application-layer disrupters is on the way that will use AI to overthrow the existing tech leaders.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
He said that since Gaddafi's overthrow, sectors such as education and healthcare as well as basic needs have been "completely neglected".
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
It does not overthrow Einstein’s relativity or quantum physics — it completes them.
From Science Daily • May 22, 2026
In the 1953 coup, America's CIA intelligence agency and Britain's MI6 conspired with Iranians to overthrow the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026
Around 435 BC, he conspired to overthrow the tyrant of Elea, Nearchus.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
