overthrow

[oh-ver-throh, oh-ver-throh]

verb (used with object)

overthrew, overthrown, overthrowing. 

1. to depose, as from a position of power; overcome, defeat, or vanquish.

   to overthrow a tyrant.

   Synonyms: overpower, conquer

2. to put an end to by force, as a government or institution.

3. to throw or knock down; overturn; topple.

   The heavy winds overthrew numerous telephone poles and trees.

4. to knock down and demolish.

   Synonyms: level, raze, destroy

5. to throw (something) too far.

6. Baseball.,  (of a pitcher) to throw too hard, often affecting control or straining the arm.

7. Archaic.,  to destroy the sound condition of (the mind).

verb (used without object)

overthrew, overthrown, overthrowing. 

1. to throw too far.

   If I hadn't overthrown, it would have been a sure putout.

noun

1. the act of overthrowing; state or condition of being overthrown.

2. deposition from power.

3. defeat; destruction; ruin.

   Synonyms: fall

overthrow

verb

1. (tr) to effect the downfall or destruction of (a ruler, institution, etc), esp by force

2. (tr) to throw or turn over

3. (tr) to throw (something, esp a ball) too far

noun

1. an act of overthrowing

2. downfall; destruction

3. cricket

   1. a ball thrown back too far by a fielder

   2. a run scored because of this

Other Word Forms

• overthrower noun
• preoverthrow verb (used with object)
• unoverthrown adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overthrow¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; over-, throw

Example Sentences

Thousands took to the streets chanting slogans about freedom: some in defence of democracy, others in defence of the ex-president who stands accused of trying to overthrow it.

From BBC

But Viking quarterback Brady Bretthauer overthrew a wide-open Hudson Sanders in the end zone then had his third-down pass batted down as time expired.

From Los Angeles Times

Benito Mussolini founded the National Fascist Party in Italy and led the country from 1922 until he was overthrown in 1943.

From BBC

The president’s efforts to roll back the 20th century and overthrow everything King stood for have helped him forge allies with some of the most extreme elements in the nation.

From Salon

He has repeatedly rejected calls for early elections and denounced the demonstrations as part of a foreign plot to overthrow him.

From BBC

Related Words

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