overturn

[oh-ver-turn, oh-ver-turn]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (something) to turn onto its side, face, or back; upset.

   to overturn a vase.

2. to destroy the power or validity of; overthrow; defeat: The new findings have not overturned the theory itself.

   The conspiracy finally overturned the regime.

   The new findings have not overturned the theory itself.

   Synonyms: conquer

3. to reverse (an official or legal decision).

   Rather than accept defeat, the company filed a complaint in federal appeals court to overturn the ruling.

verb (used without object)

1. to turn onto its side, face, or back; capsize.

   When his canoe overturned, he lost scientific instruments and journals.

noun

1. the act of overturning.

2. the state of being overturned.

overturn

verb

1. to turn or cause to turn from an upright or normal position

2. (tr) to overthrow or destroy

3. (tr) to invalidate; reverse

   the bill was passed in the Commons but overturned in the Lords

noun

1. the act of overturning or the state of being overturned

Other Word Forms

• overturnable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overturn¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; over-, turn

Synonym Study

See upset.

Example Sentences

A growing proportion of abortions in the U.S. are provided using telemedicine—including for women in states that have banned nearly all abortions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v.

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The state Supreme Court later overturned her ruling.

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It overturned the so-called Chevron deference doctrine, according to which regulatory agencies had wide latitude in interpreting vague statutes.

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Others are overturning long-held ideas about the ideal frequency for physical intimacy.

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At a press conference following her victory Saturday, Takaichi moderated her stance somewhat, saying she didn’t want to overturn the agreement.

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Related Words

• annul 
• capsize 
• invalidate 
• nullify 
• repeal 
• rescind 
• reverse 
• set aside 
• topple 
• void