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

To justify its consolidation of power in Idlib and the suppression of plurality among militant groups, HTS argued that unifying under a single leadership was crucial for making progress and ultimately overthrowing the Syrian government.

From BBC

Biden said that the overthrow of Assad created a "moment of risk and uncertainty" in the region and shared that he planned to support Syria's neighbors to mitigate some risks of destabilization.

From Salon

The rebels interrupted a state TV broadcast to declare “victory for the great Syrian revolution and the overthrow of the criminal Assad regime,” according to CNN.

From Salon

That antipathy is partly explained by Macron's vocal condemnation of the July 2023 overthrow of Bazoum, who had been one of his closest African political and security partners.

From BBC

“What is obvious is that it’s not about Barnier... it’s about her trying to overthrow and weaken Macron, obviously for her personal ambitions to herself become the next president,” he told the BBC.

From BBC

Related Words

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