topple

American

[top-uhl] / ˈtɒp əl /

verb (used without object)

toppled, toppling

to fall forward, as from having too heavy a top; pitch; tumble down.
to lean over or jut, as if threatening to fall.

verb (used with object)

toppled, toppling

to cause to topple.
to overthrow, as from a position of authority.

to topple the king.

Synonyms:

overpower, overcome, vanquish, defeat

topple British

/ ˈtɒpəl /

verb

to tip over or cause to tip over, esp from a height
(intr) to lean precariously or totter
(tr) to overthrow; oust

"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

Other Word Forms

untoppled adjective

Etymology

Origin of topple

1535–45; earlier top to tilt, topple ( tope ¹ ) + -le

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.

“If he’d waited two or three weeks, it would have been a disaster. Once the dominoes start toppling, they just start toppling—and that line is shorter than anybody thinks,” Buffett said of Powell’s actions.

From Barron's

Since being toppled he has refused to step down.

From Barron's

She reeled, arms flailing, and toppled off the raft.

From Literature

According to a leaked copy of the report seen by AFP, the commission investigating the events recommended the prosecution of ex-prime minister KP Sharma Oli, who was toppled in the uprising.

From Barron's

There is also public pressure to release the findings of an investigation into the deadly 2025 uprising, which toppled the previous government.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023