Overthrow
/ˌoʊvərˈθroʊ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo remove from power by force; to defeat or ruin.
/ˌoʊvərˈθroʊ/
To remove someone or something from power, especially by force.
The protesters aimed to overthrow the corrupt regime.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game where you're trying to knock the king off his throne. Overthrow means to knock the king off his throne and take his place. For example, the army tried to overthrow the evil emperor so they could make a better country.
👶 For kids: To take away power from someone or something, like kicking the king off his throne!
More Examples
A coup was planned to overthrow the government.
The boxer hoped to overthrow the reigning champion.
How It's Used
"The rebels planned to overthrow the dictator and establish a democracy."
"The invasion aimed to overthrow the established government."
The act of deposing or toppling from power; defeat.
/ˈoʊvərθroʊ/
The act of overthrowing; the state of being overthrown.
The overthrow of the government was met with widespread jubilation.
💡 Simply: Think of an overthrow as a big event where someone in charge is removed. For example, when the rebels fought and defeated the king, that was the overthrow of the king's rule.
👶 For kids: When you take away power from someone, it is an overthrow!
More Examples
The overthrow resulted in chaos and instability.
The plot involved the overthrow of the current leadership.
How It's Used
"The overthrow of the monarchy led to a new republic."
"The overthrow was swift and decisive."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
overthrow a regime
To forcibly remove a government or system of rule.
"The revolutionaries were determined to overthrow the corrupt regime."
a bid for overthrow
An attempt to remove someone or something from power.
"The coup was described as a bid for overthrow."
From Middle English *overthrowen*, from Old English *oferþēowan* ('to throw over, overturn'), from *ofer* ('over') + *þēowan* (related to 'throw').
The word has been used since the 14th century and originally referred to the act of literally throwing someone or something over. Its political and power-related connotations developed over time.
Memory tip
Think of literally throwing someone or something down from a position of power.
Word Origin
"To throw over or overturn"