capsize

verb

cap·​size ˈkap-ˌsīz 

kap-ˈsīz

capsized; capsizing

transitive verb

: to cause to overturn

capsize a canoe

intransitive verb

: to become upset or overturned : turn over

the canoe capsized

capsize noun

Synonyms

• overturn
• turn over
• upset

Examples of capsize in a Sentence

They were fooling around and accidentally capsized the canoe.

a huge wave out of nowhere caused our little sailboat to capsize

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities in Alaska have recovered two bodies after a crew of five went missing earlier this month when their boat capsized. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024

President-elect Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth to be secretary of Defense was listing badly but had not yet capsized on Wednesday evening. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024

Crews were battling challenging conditions as the area where the boat capsized was hit with heavy snow, winds up to 45 to 60 mph, and 6-foot seas. —Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

Three different boats either capsized or went missing in Sonoma County during the month of November. —Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Spanish capuzar or Catalan cabussar to thrust (the head) underwater

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

capsize

verb

cap·​size ˈkap-ˌsīz 

kap-ˈsīz

capsized; capsizing

: to become or cause to become upset or overturned : turn over

canoes capsize easily