overthrow
/'ouvəθrou/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- The act of removing a ruler or government from power, especially by force: "overthrow" refers to the successful removal of a ruler, regime, or institution, often through rebellion or coup.
- A state of disturbance or upset: "overthrow" can also mean a disruption or complete change to a normal state or condition.
Verb:
- To remove a ruler or government from power, especially by force: The primary meaning is to defeat and remove from authority.
- To throw a ball beyond an intended target (in sports like baseball or cricket): This is a specific sporting usage.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The revolution led to the overthrow of the monarchy.
- The sudden news caused a complete overthrow of her peaceful routine.
Verb:
- The rebels sought to overthrow the dictator.
- The pitcher overthrew first base, allowing the runner to advance.
Advanced Usage
"to overthrow a regime": to forcibly remove a government from power.
- The conspiracy aimed to overthrow the military regime.
"the overthrow of expectations": a complete reversal or disruption of what was anticipated.
- The film's plot twist was a brilliant overthrow of audience expectations.
Variants and Related Words
Overthrew (verb): Simple past tense of "overthrow".
- The army overthrew the government last year.
Overthrown (verb): Past participle of "overthrow".
- The corrupt leader has been overthrown.
Synonyms
- Oust: To force someone out of a position of power.
- Topple: To cause to fall from power.
- Depose: To remove from office or power, especially a monarch.
- Subvert: To undermine the power and authority of an established system.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Overthrow" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained in the single word.)
Related Idioms
- "To have one's plans overthrown": To have one's intentions completely disrupted or ruined.
- Their vacation plans were overthrown by the sudden storm.
Noun
- the act of disturbing the mind or body
- his carelessness could have caused an ecological upset
- she was unprepared for this sudden overthrow of their normal way of living
- the termination of a ruler or institution (especially by force)
Verb
- rule against
- The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill
- cause the downfall of; of rulers
- The Czar was overthrown
- subvert the ruling class