Overthrown
/ˌoʊvərˈθroʊn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo defeat and remove from power, typically by force or a coup.
/ˌoʊvərˈθroʊn/
To remove someone or something from power by force.
The government was overthrown in a military coup.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and the person in charge gets kicked out. That's being overthrown! It means taking control away from someone forcefully.
👶 For kids: To take over and get rid of the person in charge, like a king or queen.
More Examples
The king was overthrown by his own army.
The old regime was overthrown, leading to a period of instability.
How It's Used
"The dictator was overthrown by a popular uprising."
"The monarchy was overthrown during the revolution."
To defeat decisively or cause to fail.
/ˌoʊvərˈθroʊn/
To defeat thoroughly, or to ruin something.
The company’s business plan was overthrown by the economic downturn.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a tower of blocks. If someone comes along and knocks the tower down completely, that means it was overthrown. It's when something is ruined or defeated.
👶 For kids: To knock something down or ruin it.
More Examples
Her carefully constructed argument was overthrown by a single piece of evidence.
The underdog team finally overthrew the champions.
How It's Used
"The defending champions were overthrown by the underdog team."
"Her careful plans were overthrown by a sudden change in circumstances."
Idioms & expressions
overthrow a government
To remove a government from power, usually by force.
"The rebels plotted to overthrow the government through a coup."
overthrow a decision
To reverse or cancel a decision.
"The higher court can overthrow a lower court's decision."
From Middle English *overthronen*, from Old English *oferþrōwen* ('overthrown, defeated'), past participle of *oferþrōwan* ('to overthrow'), from *ofer* ('over') + *þrōwan* ('to throw, to suffer').
The word 'overthrow' has been used in literature and political discourse since the Middle Ages, often describing the removal of rulers or institutions.
Memory tip
Think of throwing something *over* and *down* to remove it from its place.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: ofer- + þrōwan