capsize

American  

[kap-sahyz, kap-sahyz] / ˈkæp saɪz, kæpˈsaɪz /

verb (used with or without object)

capsized, capsizing

1. to turn bottom up; overturn: With a strong kick he capsized the stool.

   The ferry capsized and sank in minutes.

   With a strong kick he capsized the stool.

2. to upset or collapse: He has a secret that could capsize his career.

   Their marriage almost capsized when they lost their only child.

   He has a secret that could capsize his career.

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capsize British  

/ kæpˈsaɪz /

verb

1. to overturn accidentally; upset

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Related Words

See upset.

Other Word Forms

• capsizable adjective
• capsizal noun
• noncapsizable adjective
• uncapsizable adjective
• uncapsized adjective

Etymology

Origin of capsize

First recorded in 1780–90; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

The dinghy they were travelling on became swamped and capsized in the early hours of 24 November 2021, in what became the deadliest Channel small boat incident on record.

From BBC

But survivors then told the BBC that coastguards had caused the migrant boat to capsize following a botched attempt to tow it.

From BBC

Clinging to the capsized kayak, Austin - who swears he "saw something in the water" - realised he needed to do something.

From BBC

A 2015 ferry capsizing off the western coast of Leyte Island resulted in more than 60 deaths.

From Barron's

"Then the ship immediately capsized," he said in an interview from his home, describing how panic quickly gripped the passengers.

From Barron's