Meaning & Definition of word "Overturn"

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    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.