overthrow

Pronunciation: /ˌoʊvɚˈθɹoʊ/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the termination of a ruler or institution (especially by force)
  2. noun the act of disturbing the mind or body
  3. verb cause the downfall of; of rulers

Etymology

From Middle English overthrowen, equivalent to over- + throw. Compare Dutch overdraaien, German überdrehen, Old English oferweorpan (“to overthrow”). For the noun sense, compare Middle English overthrow, overthrowe (“destruction, downfall”), from the verb.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
termination
Narrower (hyponyms)
subversion

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