topple
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈtɒpəl/
KK: /ˈtɑpəl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To lean or fall over, often suddenly or unexpectedly.
Example
The statue began to topple in the strong wind.
Tense Forms
Past: toppled
Past Participle: toppled
Conversation
Did you see that tower of blocks we built?
Yeah, it looked so tall!
I thought it would topple over any second.
Me too! I was ready to catch it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tumble
collapse
fall
Antonyms
rise
stand
stabilize
transitive verb
Definition
To cause something to fall over or to be overthrown.
Example
The strong wind was enough to topple the old tree.
Tense Forms
Past: toppled
Past Participle: toppled
Conversation
Did you see how that player tried to topple the opponent during the game?
Yeah, it was a pretty risky move, but it almost worked!
I think if he had a better angle, he could really topple him down.
Root Explanation
Topple originates from the Middle English 'topplen', which is derived from the Old English 'toppian', meaning to fall or to tumble. The word describes the action of causing something to fall over or become unsteady.
Memory Tip
Imagine something that is 'falling over' — that's what topple means, as it comes from the idea of something becoming unsteady and falling.
Visually Confused Words
stopple
thropple
tipple
popple
hopple
copple
unstopple
tope