unhorse

[uhn-hawrs]

verb (used with object)

unhorsed, unhorsing 

1. to cause to fall from a horse, as in battle; dislodge from the saddle.

   Sir Gawain unhorsed the strange knight.

2. to defeat; overcome; dislodge, as from a position or office.

   His vigorous campaign unhorsed his adversary.

unhorse

/ ʌnˈhɔːs /

verb

1. (usually passive) to knock or throw from a horse

2. to overthrow or dislodge, as from a powerful position

3. rare,  to unharness horses from (a carriage, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhorse¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, unhorse is from the Middle English word unhorsen. See un- ², horse

Example Sentences

When Richard is finally unhorsed from power and swallowed into the night, we should feel relieved that his reign of terror has ended.

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Unseating Bush was daunting, as it is to unhorse any incumbent president.

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This physical expansion brought with it the soaring costs that have unhorsed so many other bricks-and-mortar retailers.

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This came after the outgoing speaker had already been unhorsed for his own ethical failings.

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An inexperienced back-bench senator thus unhorsed the party front-runner, Hillary Clinton.

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