Meaning & Definition of word "Overturn"

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.