topple

American  

[top-uhl] / ˈtɒp əl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• untoppled adjective

Etymology

Origin of topple

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

Example Sentences

In 1918 Prague became the capital of a new democratic Czechoslovakia, with symbols of Habsburg rule toppled and replaced by decidedly national ones.

From The Wall Street Journal

But on Tuesday, Washington was hardly an opponent that required heroic efforts to topple.

From The Wall Street Journal

The heat is expected to topple several daily temperature records across the region with some locations potentially breaking the all-time record for the month of March, according to the weather service.

From Los Angeles Times

But little evidence suggests so far that Iranians are ready to rise up to topple their government.

From The Wall Street Journal

Millions of Nepalese cast ballots Thursday during the first national election since youth-led protests toppled the country’s previous leader last year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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