verb
capsize
kap-SYZ
Capsize (verb) means to turn over or roll over in the water, or to cause a boat to do so. Example: “The small dinghy capsized in the sudden squall.”
verb
1
To turn over or roll over in the water, or to cause a boat to do so.
"The small dinghy capsized in the sudden squall."
"A rogue wave capsized the kayak within seconds."
How to use capsize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo flip over in the water, usually said of boats.
Common pairings
the boat capsized
capsize in rough seas
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like capsize.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- capsizes
- Third person singular
- capsizes
- Past tense
- capsized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The small dinghy _____ in the sudden squall.
Etymology
First recorded in English in the late 1700s; its origin is uncertain, though it may be related to a Spanish word for sinking bow-first.
Class of 1700
capsize joined the language around 1700.
See the full Class of 1700 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for capsize
See all rhymes for capsize →Frequently asked questions
What does “capsize” mean?
The word “capsize” means to turn over or roll over in the water, or to cause a boat to do so. In plain terms, to flip over in the water, usually said of boats.
How do you pronounce “capsize”?
“Capsize” is pronounced kap-SYZ (/ˈkæpsaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “capsize” in a sentence?
Here is “capsize” used in a sentence: “The small dinghy capsized in the sudden squall.”
What part of speech is “capsize”?
“Capsize” is a verb.
Where does the word “capsize” come from?
The word “capsize” dates back to around 1700 and comes from Spanish. First recorded in English in the late 1700s; its origin is uncertain, though it may be related to a Spanish word for sinking bow-first.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include capsize:
