unhorse

American  

[uhn-hawrs] / ʌnˈhɔrs /

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.

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unhorse British  

/ 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)

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Etymology

Origin of unhorse

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

Example Sentences

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

From Washington Times

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

From BBC

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

From Fox News

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

From Washington Post

They spoke also of unbelievable things—of Lancelot unhorsed, defeated, kneeling after he had been knocked down.

From Literature