overthrow
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌθroʊ/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌθroʊ/
noun
Definition
A situation where a government or leader is removed from power, often by force or rebellion.
Example
The overthrow of the dictator led to a new government being established.
Conversation
Did you hear about the recent overthrow of the government in that country?
Yeah, it's all over the news!
It's crazy how quickly things can change after such an overthrow.
I know, it makes you wonder what will happen next.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
toppling
collapse
defeat
Antonyms
establishment
success
victory
transitive verb
Definition
To cause the defeat or removal of someone in power, often through force or a planned action.
Example
The rebels aimed to overthrow the dictator and establish a new government.
Tense Forms
Past: overthrew
Past Participle: overthrown
Conversation
Did you hear about the plan to overthrow the local council?
Yeah, it's all over the news!
I can't believe people would actually try to overthrow them like that.
Root Explanation
Overthrow → It is formed from "over-" (meaning above or beyond) and "throw" (from Old English "þrawan", meaning to cast or hurl). The word "overthrow" means to cast down or defeat something, often a government or authority, from a position of power.
Memory Tip
Think of something being 'cast down' ('throw') from a position of power or authority, and 'over-' means above or beyond, which helps you remember that to overthrow means to bring down something that is above.
Visually Confused Words
unoverthrown
preoverthrow