upend
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʌˈpɛnd/
KK: /ʌˈpɛnd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To be turned upside down or overturned.
Example
The boat began to upend in the rough waters.
Tense Forms
Past: upended
Past Participle: upended
Conversation
Did you hear about the storm last night?
Yeah, it was crazy! I saw that it upended a few trees.
I hope everyone is okay after that chaos.
I think most people are fine, just a bit shaken up.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overturn
tip
invert
Antonyms
stabilize
steady
maintain
transitive verb
Definition
To turn something upside down or to completely change its position or state.
Example
The strong wind upended the table, sending everything on it crashing to the ground.
Tense Forms
Past: upended
Past Participle: upended
Conversation
Did you hear that the new documentary could really upend what we know about history?
Yeah, I saw a preview, and it looks super interesting!
It's wild how they might upend long-held beliefs with just a few new discoveries.
Root Explanation
Upend is formed from "up" (meaning to a higher position) and "end" (meaning the final part of something). The word "upend" means to turn something upside down or to overturn it, placing the end in an upward position.
Memory Tip
Think of turning something 'up' so that its 'end' is now on top — that's what upend means.
Visually Confused Words
uptend
upsend
uprend
upbend
pend
uptrend
suspend
stupend