overthrow

[verb oh-ver-throh; noun oh-ver-throh]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR overthrow ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), o·ver·threw, o·ver·thrown, o·ver·throw·ing.

to depose, as from a position of power; overcome, defeat, or vanquish: to overthrow a tyrant.

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

to throw or knock down; overturn; topple: The heavy winds overthrew numerous telephone poles and trees.

to knock down and demolish.

to throw (something) too far.

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

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

verb (used without object), o·ver·threw, o·ver·thrown, o·ver·throw·ing.

to throw too far: If I hadn't overthrown, it would have been a sure putout.

noun

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

deposition from power.

defeat; destruction; ruin.

Nearby words

Origin of overthrow

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

SYNONYMS FOR overthrow

1. conquer, overpower. 4. destroy, raze, level. 11. fall.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR overthrow ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formso·ver·throw·er, nounpre·o·ver·throw, nounpre·o·ver·throw, verb (used with object), pre·o·ver·threw, pre·o·ver·thrown, pre·o·ver·throw·ing.un·o·ver·thrown, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for overthrow

Why would the CIA work to overthrow the Ukrainian government?
Oliver Stone’s Latest Dictator Suckup|James Kirchick|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Raila Odinga dismissed Kenyatta's claims that he is trying to overthrow the government.
Militants ‘Executed Non-Muslims’ at Kenyan World Cup Watch Party|Margot Kiser|June 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Rocket teamed up with the Incredible Hulk to overthrow Judson Jakes, a devious mole.
11 Things to Know About Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy|Marina Watts|February 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So where do we go with all of this screen money, and is it really likely to overthrow our economic infrastructures anytime soon?
Dogecoin, Coinye, & Catcoin: A Dummy’s Guide to Cryptocurrencies|Charlotte Lytton|January 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

All the better for international drug cartels whose capos would rather milk the state than overthrow it.
Central America’s New Cold War|Mac Margolis|November 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If I am overthrown by the tempter, it was because I was the more worthy object of overthrow.
Charlemont|W. Gilmore Simms
Am not I she that answer truth in Israel, and thou seekest to destroy the city, and to overthrow a mother in Israel?
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
He never intrigued for the restoration of the monarchy, or even for the overthrow of that Republic which he loathed.
El Dorado|Baroness Orczy
There was one weighty reason for the overthrow of the gentes and the substitution of a new plan of government.
Ancient Society|Lewis Henry Morgan
The Left Wingers have indeed been much more open in admitting their intentions to overthrow our government by force of arms.
The Red Conspiracy|Joseph J. Mereto

British Dictionary definitions for overthrow

overthrow

verb (ˌəʊvəˈθrəʊ) -throws, -throwing, -threw or -thrown

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

(tr) to throw or turn over

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

noun (ˈəʊvəˌθrəʊ)

an act of overthrowing

downfall; destruction

cricket

a ball thrown back too far by a fielder
a run scored because of this

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for overthrow

overthrow

early 14c., "to knock down," from over- + throw (v.). Figurative sense of "to cast down from power, defeat" is attested from late 14c. Related: Overthrown; overthrowing. Earlier in same senses was overwerpen "to overturn (something), overthrow; destroy," from Old English oferweorpan (see warp (v.)).

overthrow

1510s, "act of overthrowing," from over- + throw (n.).

overthrow

verb (used with object), o·ver·threw, o·ver·thrown, o·ver·throw·ing.

verb (used without object), o·ver·threw, o·ver·thrown, o·ver·throw·ing.

noun

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Origin of overthrow

Examples from the Web for overthrow

overthrow

verb (ˌəʊvəˈθrəʊ) -throws, -throwing, -threw or -thrown

noun (ˈəʊvəˌθrəʊ)

overthrow

overthrow