overturn
oh-vuh-TURN
Overturn (verb) means to flip something over, or to cause a vehicle to roll onto its side or roof. Example: “The boat overturned in the storm.”
verb
1
To flip something over, or to cause a vehicle to roll onto its side or roof.
"The boat overturned in the storm."
"The lorry overturned on the icy road."
2
To reverse an official decision, ruling, or law.
"The appeals court overturned the earlier verdict."
"Parliament voted to overturn the previous ruling."
How to use overturn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo flip physically, or to cancel and reverse a decision.
Common pairings
overturn a verdict
overturn a decision
car overturned
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like overturn.
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
- overturns
- Third person singular
- overturns
- Past tense
- overturned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The boat _____ in the storm.
Etymology
From Middle English overturnen, formed from over- + turn.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “overturn” mean?
The word “overturn” means to flip something over, or to cause a vehicle to roll onto its side or roof. In plain terms, to flip physically, or to cancel and reverse a decision.
How do you pronounce “overturn”?
“Overturn” is pronounced oh-vuh-TURN (/ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈtɜː(ɹ)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “overturn” in a sentence?
Here is “overturn” used in a sentence: “The boat overturned in the storm.”
What part of speech is “overturn”?
“Overturn” is a verb.
Where does the word “overturn” come from?
The word “overturn” comes from Middle English. From Middle English overturnen, formed from over- + turn.
Is “overturn” a common word?
“Overturn” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “overturn” have?
“Overturn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to flip something over, or to cause a vehicle to roll onto its side or roof.
