topple
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to fall forward, as from having too heavy a top; pitch; tumble down.
-
to lean over or jut, as if threatening to fall.
verb
-
to tip over or cause to tip over, esp from a height
-
(intr) to lean precariously or totter
-
(tr) to overthrow; oust
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of topple
Explanation
To topple something is to knock it down. A house of cards can be toppled — so can a government. Things can topple in several ways. If a building collapses or falls down for any reason, it topples. If you knocked over another student, you toppled that person. Governments that are overthrown are also said to be toppled. When you see the word topple, someone or something is going down.
Vocabulary lists containing topple
100 Great Words from "Fahrenheit 451" -- Part I Vocabulary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Sorry, Wrong Number," Vocabulary from the play
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The War That Saved My Life
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Harvard-Westlake’s boys’ tennis team accomplished something on Friday few have done: topple Irvine University.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
It’s currently in the Arabian Sea, but he seems to think it could make “ a little excursion” to topple the government and take it over.
From Salon • May 12, 2026
Last September, the Indian Ocean island was rocked by weeks of youth-led protests, which helped topple the country's then President Andry Rajoelina.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
The heat is expected to topple several daily temperature records across the region with some locations potentially breaking the all-time record for the month of March, according to the weather service.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
He’d leaned so far, it looked like he might topple out.
From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
