overthrow
To bring about the downfall of, especially by forceTo bring about the downfall of (a government, etc.), especially by force; to usurp.
Meaning
3 senses(transitive)To bring about the downfall of (a government, etc.), especially by force; to usurp.
I hate the current government, but not enough to want to overthrow them.
stürzen, umstürzen
сверга́тьsvergátʹ, све́ргнутьsvérgnutʹ
скида́тиskydáty, ски́нутиskýnuty
(intransitive, transitive)To throw (something) so that it goes too far.
He overthrew first base, for an error.
(archaic, transitive)To throw down to the ground, to overturn.
umwerfen
- cause the downfall of; of rulers
- rule against
Examples
22 sentencesThe government was overthrown.
ruПравительство было свергнуто. — odexed
Tom wants to overthrow the government.
Reactionary groups were overthrown by the people.
ruРеакционные группировки были свергнуты народом. — Ivanovb
The regime was overthrown by rebel militias.
deDas Regime wurde von Rebellenmilizen gestürzt. — Esperantostern
They conspire to overthrow the oppressive government.
Translations
8 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 1
By meaning 2
Origin
From Middle English overthrowen, equivalent to over- + throw. Compare Dutch overdraaien, GFrom Middle English overthrowen, equivalent to over- + throw. Compare Dutch overdraaien, German überdrehen, Old English oferweorpan (“to overthrow”).
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Forms
overthrows, overthrowing, overthrew, overthrown| Base form | overthrow · to overthrow |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | overthrows |
| Present participle | overthrowing |
| Past simple | overthrew |
| Past participle | overthrown |
irregular · Lesson
Synonyms
7 synonymsWord family
3 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, irregular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle