Overturn

Definition

Overturn generally refers to the action of turning something over or causing it to be upside down, or to reverse a previous decision or judgment.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌoʊvərˈtɜrn/
• Respelling: oh-ver-TURN (with "oh" as in "go," "ver" as in "very," and "TURN" as in "turn")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌəʊvəˈtɜːn/
• Respelling: oh-ver-TURN (with "oh" as in "go," "ver" as in "very," and "TURN" as in "turn")

In both dialects, "overturn" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "TURN." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "oh-ver-TURN."

Etymology

The term "overturn" originates from the combination of the Old English prefix "over-", meaning above or excessive, and the verb "turn," which comes from the Old English "turnian," meaning to rotate or revolve.

Derivatives

• Overturned
• Overturning
• Overturner
• Overturnable
• Overturnedness

Synonyms

• Upset
• Capsize
• Topple

Antonyms

• Right
• Stabilize
• Uphold

Usage

• Commonly used in the context of physically flipping or turning over objects, but also metaphorically in legal and decision-making contexts to describe the action of reversing or changing a decision or judgment.

Related Terms

• Overrule
• Invert
• Reverse
• Flip
• Rescind

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To cause something to turn over or be upside down, usually suddenly.
• Example: "The heavy winds might overturn the boat."

• To invalidate or reverse (a decision, judgment, etc.) upon appeal or through subsequent examination.
• Example: "The higher court has the power to overturn the lower court's decision."

Noun

• The act of turning over or becoming upside down.
• Example: "The overturn of the truck caused a major traffic jam."

• A reversal of status, order, form, or another relationship.
• Example: "The overturn of the previous policies was unexpected."