overthrown

Definition

1. Verb (past participle of ):
   • To remove from power: "Overthrown" describes a leader, government, or regime that has been forcibly removed from authority, typically through rebellion, coup, or revolution.
   • To defeat completely: In a broader sense, it means something has been overturned, conquered, or rendered powerless, such as an idea, system, or opponent.

Usage Examples

• (The ruler was forcibly removed from power by the people.)
• (The kingdom was conquered and its government destroyed.)
• (The previously accepted idea was disproven or replaced.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have been overthrown": passive construction emphasizing the result of the action.

  • The government has been overthrown, and a new council is forming. (The government is now gone due to rebellion.)

• "overthrown by one's own allies": indicating betrayal from within.

  • The general was overthrown by his own officers in a surprise coup. (His trusted subordinates removed him from command.)

Variants and Related Words

• Overthrow (verb, base form): to remove from power or defeat.

  • The rebels plan to overthrow the monarchy. (They intend to force the king or queen from power.)

• Overthrow (noun): the act of removing from power or defeating.

  • The overthrow of the regime took three months. (The process of removing the regime lasted three months.)

• Thrown (verb, past participle of throw): to propel through the air.

  • The ball was thrown across the field. (The ball was tossed through the air.)

Synonyms

• Deposed: removed from a position of power, especially a monarch or leader.
• Ousted: forced out of a position or office.
• Toppled: knocked down or overthrown, often used for governments or statues.
• Conquered: defeated and subjugated by force.

Related Idioms

• "To be thrown out of power": an informal equivalent of being overthrown.

  • The corrupt officials were thrown out of power after the election. (They were removed from authority.)

• "To be overturned": similar to being overthrown, but often used for decisions or systems.

  • The court's ruling was overturned by a higher court. (The decision was reversed or invalidated.)