upend

[uhp-end]

verb (used with object)

1. to set on end, as a barrel or ship.

2. to affect drastically or radically, as tastes, opinions, reputations, or systems.

3. to defeat in competition, as in boxing or business.

verb (used without object)

1. to become upended.

2. to place the body back-end up, as a dabbling duck.

upend

/ ʌpˈɛnd /

verb

1. to turn or set or become turned or set on end

2. (tr) to affect or upset drastically

Word History and Origins

Origin of upend¹

First recorded in 1815–25; up- + end ¹

Example Sentences

This last innovation seems to hold immeasurable potential to upend norms for information, markets and the economy.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

News of the agreement triggered celebrations across Gaza, with residents exhausted by Israel’s no-holds-barred assault that had upended their lives, erased entire families and brought famine to the enclave expressing cautious hope.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And the idea is gaining traction elsewhere as the technology upends workforces.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

A ruling in Chiles’s favor, some experts said, could upend existing law that governs doctor-patient relationships and other professional conduct.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Over the past decade, much of the insurance world has been taken over by private-equity firms, which have upended the industry’s boring-but-safe business model.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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