overthrow

[oh-ver-throh, oh-ver-throh]

verb (used with object)

overthrew, overthrown, overthrowing. 

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)

overthrew, overthrown, overthrowing. 

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 Word Forms

• overthrower noun
• preoverthrow verb (used with object)
• unoverthrown adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overthrow¹

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

Example Sentences

Congress created the Insurrection Act as a fail-safe in response to armed mobs attacking their neighbors and organized militias seeking to overthrow elected officials.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Some farmers see the Cosmic Crisp as a newcomer poised to overthrow the Honeycrisp.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We are also capable of overthrowing a government.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The neoconservatives of George W. Bush’s administration had hoped to spread democracy by overthrowing Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Once Bangladesh's largest political party, the Awami League has been outlawed since its leader Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in a mass uprising last year.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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