topple

[top-uhl]

verb (used without object)

toppled, toppling 

1. to fall forward, as from having too heavy a top; pitch; tumble down.

2. to lean over or jut, as if threatening to fall.

verb (used with object)

toppled, toppling 

1. to cause to topple.

2. to overthrow, as from a position of authority.

   to topple the king.

   Synonyms: overpower, overcome, vanquish, defeat

topple

/ ˈtɒpəl /

verb

1. to tip over or cause to tip over, esp from a height

2. (intr) to lean precariously or totter

3. (tr) to overthrow; oust

Other Word Forms

• untoppled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of topple¹

1535–45; earlier top to tilt, topple ( tope ¹ ) + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of topple¹

C16: frequentative of _top ¹ (verb)

Example Sentences

Seeing a movement that was as vibrant as the conservative movement toppled so quickly by a shallow demagogue should give those who love democracy and human progress hope.

Read more on Salon

The president and his advisers’ own words have also indicated that the larger intentions of the administration could be to topple the government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.

Read more on Salon

Sure, Neo nearly toppled over while closing the dishwasher, took two minutes to fold the shirt and twisted its arm attempting to dance the Macarena.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Whether enough people are willing to pay for that little bit of extra convenience remains to be seen - and there's a long way to go before Google is toppled.

Read more on BBC

French lawmakers were due on Saturday to vote on a wealth tax, after a swing group threatened to topple the government if the levy was not added in next year's austerity budget.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• collapse 
• oust 
• overturn 
• plunge 
• tumble 
• unseat 
• upset