upend
verb (used with object)
to set on end, as a barrel or ship.
had upended
-
past perfectof upend.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Monarchy, he argued, had upended this natural order.
From Salon ● Jan. 10, 2026
Greg Bovino had upended Los Angeles’ immigrant community.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2025
Cartiglia said tariffs had upended her retirement plans and left her with a business she couldn’t sell.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 28, 2025
The war that had upended life for two years and devastated Gaza appeared as though it would stop—at least for now.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2025
But Mattie’s death had upended me; I couldn’t get my footing.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
