overthrow

verb

over·​throw ˌō-vər-ˈthrō 

overthrew ˌō-vər-ˈthrü  ; overthrown ˌō-vər-ˈthrōn  ; overthrowing

transitive verb

1

: overturn, upset

2

: to cause the downfall of : bring down, defeat

3

: to throw a ball over or past (something or someone, such as a base or a receiver)

overthrow

ˈō-vər-ˌthrō 

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for overthrow

conquer, vanquish, defeat, subdue, reduce, overcome, overthrow mean to get the better of by force or strategy.

conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

Examples of overthrow in a Sentence

The quarterback overthrew his receiver.

Recent Examples on the Web

Based on the book written by Margaret Atwood, the series is set in a dystopian New England setting in a state known as the Republic of Gilead, which has overthrown the United States government. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 27 Dec. 2024

Israel and Turkey Launch Military Ops In Syria Since rebel fighters overthrew Assad's government, Israel and Turkey have launched military operations in Syria. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Of the pair’s three incompletions, Daniels overthrew two in the second half — one significantly, one perhaps a touch long — to the wide-open receiver that were likely touchdowns. —Ben Standig, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

News Peg Blinken, who reportedly spoke Saturday while in Jordan, said the U.S. has spoken directly with Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) and other groups that helped overthrow Assad (the U.S. has designated HTS as a terrorist organization). —Ty Roush, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

overthrow

verb

over·​throw -ˈthrō 

overthrew -ˈthrü  ; overthrown -ˈthrōn  ; overthrowing

1

: overturn sense 1, upset

lawn chairs overthrown by the gale

2

: defeat entry 1, destroy

a government overthrown by rebels

3

: to throw a ball over or past

overthrew second base

overthrow

ˈō-vər-ˌthrō 

noun