overthrow

[ verb oh-ver-throh; noun oh-ver-throh ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·threw, o·ver·thrown, o·ver·throw·ing.

1. to depose, as from a position of power; overcome, defeat, or vanquish:

   to overthrow a tyrant.

   Synonyms: overpower, conquer

2. to put an end to by force, as a government or institution.
3. to throw or knock down; overturn; topple:

   The heavy winds overthrew numerous telephone poles and trees.

4. to knock down and demolish.

   Synonyms: level, raze, destroy

5. to throw (something) too far.
6. Baseball. (of a pitcher) to throw too hard, often affecting control or straining the arm.
7. Archaic. to destroy the sound condition of (the mind).

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·threw, o·ver·thrown, o·ver·throw·ing.

1. to throw too far:

   If I hadn't overthrown, it would have been a sure putout.

noun

1. the act of overthrowing; state or condition of being overthrown.
2. deposition from power.
3. defeat; destruction; ruin.

   Synonyms: fall

overthrow

verb

1. tr to effect the downfall or destruction of (a ruler, institution, etc), esp by force
2. tr to throw or turn over
3. tr to throw (something, esp a ball) too far

noun

1. an act of overthrowing
2. downfall; destruction
3. cricket
   1. a ball thrown back too far by a fielder
   2. a run scored because of this

Other Words From

• over·thrower noun
• pre·over·throw noun
• preo·ver·throw verb (used with object) preoverthrew preoverthrown preoverthrowing
• uno·ver·thrown adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overthrow¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; over-, throw

Example Sentences

Why would the CIA work to overthrow the Ukrainian government?

From The Daily Beast

Raila Odinga dismissed Kenyatta's claims that he is trying to overthrow the government.

From The Daily Beast

Rocket teamed up with the Incredible Hulk to overthrow Judson Jakes, a devious mole.

From The Daily Beast

So where do we go with all of this screen money, and is it really likely to overthrow our economic infrastructures anytime soon?

From The Daily Beast

They approved the catastrophic overthrow for which we are still paying a high and clear price every day.

From The Daily Beast

Distances were to him as nothing; and difficulties only stimulated him to give his adversaries a more signal overthrow.

From Project Gutenberg

Siyes desired a man who would overthrow the Directory and establish a dictatorship: Barras was coquetting with the Bourbons.

From Project Gutenberg

Scarcely a year passed in which his name was not connected with some conspiracy to overthrow the First Consul.

From Project Gutenberg

When one enemy of his kingdom appears, vows should be made to resist and overthrow his influence.

From Project Gutenberg

As for his killing you in cold blood, that thought comes from your excitement of the moment and your chagrin at your overthrow.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abolish
• conquer
• crush
• depose
• dethrone
• eradicate
• oust
• overcome
• overrun
• overturn
• put an end to
• raze
• subdue
• subvert
• topple
• unseat
• vanquish