Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Turned over completely; inverted: Describes something that has been flipped or turned so that the top becomes the bottom or the correct side is now facing down.
   • Upset; capsized: Describes something that has been knocked over, often accidentally, from its normal upright position.

Usage

The adjective "overturned" is used to describe the state of an object after it has been flipped or knocked over. It typically comes before a noun or after a linking verb like "was," "is," or "looked."

Examples

• The storm left a path of destruction with overturned cars and fallen trees.
• She righted the overturned trash can that had been knocked over by the raccoon.
• The kayak was overturned by the large wave.
• We found the overturned boat washed up on the shore.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Judicial Context: While "overturned" can be used as the past tense of the verb "overturn" (e.g., ), as a standalone adjective, it does not carry this meaning. Its adjectival meaning is strictly physical.
• "Overturned" vs. "Upturned": "Upturned" often describes something intentionally turned upward (e.g., an looking at the sky), while "overturned" implies an accidental or forceful action resulting in the wrong side being up.

Variants and Related Words

• Overturn (verb): To cause to turn over; to capsize. (e.g., )
• Upturned (adj.): Turned or directed upward. (e.g., )
• Capsized (adj.): (Specifically for boats or ships) Overturned in the water.

Synonyms

• Upset
• Inverted
• Upended
• Capsized (for vessels)
• Flipped over

Antonyms

• Upright
• Right-side-up
• Steady
• Stable

Adjective

1. having been turned so that the bottom is no longer the bottom
   • an overturned car
   • the upset pitcher of milk
   • sat on an upturned bucket