capsize

[kap-sahyz, kap-sahyz]

verb (used with or without object)

capsized, capsizing 

1. to turn bottom up; overturn: With a strong kick he capsized the stool.

   The ferry capsized and sank in minutes.

   With a strong kick he capsized the stool.

2. to upset or collapse: He has a secret that could capsize his career.

   Their marriage almost capsized when they lost their only child.

   He has a secret that could capsize his career.

capsize

/ kæpˈsaɪz /

verb

1. to overturn accidentally; upset

Other Word Forms

• capsizal noun
• capsizable adjective
• noncapsizable adjective
• uncapsizable adjective
• uncapsized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsize¹

First recorded in 1780–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsize¹

C18: of uncertain origin

Synonym Study

See upset.

Example Sentences

"My father, an uncle and I came before the rest of the family by sea. The small ship was overloaded and very unstable. All the time we feared the vessel might capsize."

Read more on Barron's

Shortly before midnight, just 25 kilometres from Mbandaka, the vessel carrying the two young men capsized.

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A boat capsized on a lake in northeastern Ghana, killing 15 people, mostly children, maritime authorities said on Sunday.

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He said 95 people were jammed on the 12-metre dinghy, with constant fear the boat would capsize.

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Nine people died on Tuesday after a rescue boat carrying flood victims capsized in the Indus River.

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