Meaning & Definition of word "Overturn"
to
Overturn
/ˌoʊvərˈtɜrn/
verb:
- 1. To reverse a decision or judgment.
- Example: The appellate court decided to overturn the lower court's ruling.
- 2. To cause to turn over or tip over.
- Example: The strong winds were enough to overturn the small boats on the water.
- 3. To invalidate or nullify something, such as a law or policy.
- Example: The new legislation aims to overturn the previous law that restricted access to healthcare.
- 4. To disrupt or throw into disorder.
- Example: The scandal threatened to overturn the entire political landscape.
- 5. To overthrow a government or regime.
- Example: The rebels attempted to overturn the dictatorial regime.
Etymology
Middle French 'overturner', from 'over-' + 'turn'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
overturn a decision:
To reverse a previously made decision.
overturn the status quo:
To change the existing state of affairs.
overturn an election:
To reverse the results of an election.
Related Words
reversal:
The act of reversing something.
upturn:
An improvement or increase.
disrupt:
To interrupt or completely change.
Slang Meanings of overturn
Meaning: To throw a wrench in the plans.
Example Sentence: The sudden news totally overturned my plans for the weekend.
Meaning: To flip the script.
Example Sentence: That unexpected twist really overturned everything we thought we knew.