overturn

American  

[oh-ver-turn, oh-ver-turn] / ˌoʊ vərˈtɜrn, ˈoʊ vərˌtɜrn /

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (something) to turn onto its side, face, or back; upset.

   to overturn a vase.

2. to destroy the power or validity of; overthrow; defeat: The new findings have not overturned the theory itself.

   The conspiracy finally overturned the regime.

   The new findings have not overturned the theory itself.

   Synonyms:

   conquer

3. to reverse (an official or legal decision).

   Rather than accept defeat, the company filed a complaint in federal appeals court to overturn the ruling.

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verb (used without object)

1. to turn onto its side, face, or back; capsize.

   When his canoe overturned, he lost scientific instruments and journals.

noun

1. the act of overturning.

2. the state of being overturned.

overturn British  

verb

1. to turn or cause to turn from an upright or normal position

2. (tr) to overthrow or destroy

3. (tr) to invalidate; reverse

   the bill was passed in the Commons but overturned in the Lords

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noun

1. the act of overturning or the state of being overturned

Related Words

See upset.

Other Word Forms

• overturnable adjective

Etymology

Origin of overturn

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; see origin at over-, turn

Explanation

To overturn something is to either flip it upside down or to invalidate it. An amateur kayaker might overturn her boat, while a judge may decide to overturn a previous judgment. When you overturn a wheelbarrow or a tricycle, you literally turn it over. When judges overturn earlier rulings or voters overturn laws, they make them invalid, essentially reversing them. An earlier, more intense metaphorical meaning of this word was "violently overthrow a ruler or rulers." Overturn was originally used in the 13th century to describe a turning wheel.

Example Sentences

And Jones’ first act in office was to overturn that opinion and declare that the Assembly was following a lawful process.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

With appeal overturn rates running at 60% or higher, that’s not a flaw in the system.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

The new Virginia map is being challenged in state court, but judges may be loath to overturn a referendum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The court agreed to hear his appeal and overturn the 4th Circuit, clearing his suit to proceed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The altar wobbled and threatened to overturn and the collection table sat at a rakish angle.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Related Words

• annul
• capsize
• invalidate
• nullify
• repeal
• rescind
• reverse
• set aside
• topple
• void