overthrow

American  

[oh-ver-throh, oh-ver-throh] / ˌoʊ vərˈθroʊ, ˈoʊ vərˌθroʊ /

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).

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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 British  

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

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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 noun
• unoverthrown adjective

Etymology

Origin of overthrow

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

Example Sentences

For posing a threat to British economic interests, he was overthrown and Britain and the US threw their weight behind the increasingly dictatorial Shah.

From BBC

In October, the armed group -- whose declared aim is to overthrow the government and end corruption -- began appointing magistrates, but observers indicated there was little impartiality.

From Barron's

The shah’s monarchy and his very modern Iran were violently overthrown in 1979.

From Salon

But after just eight months, he was himself overthrown by Traoré, then a 34‑year‑old artillery officer who accused him of failing to deliver security improvements.

From BBC

You spent years researching and writing “King of Kings,” which culminates in the shah’s overthrow in 1979.

From Salon

Related Words

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