C1verb 5K

Overturn

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːn/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnz/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnd/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrn/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnz/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnd/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Overturn

if something overturns, or if somebody overturns it, it turns into a position in which the top of it is where the bottom of it normally is or on its side

In simple words: To change a decision or rule to the opposite.

Overturn in a sentence

• The car skidded and overturned.
• He stood up quickly, overturning his chair.
• to **overturn a decision/conviction/verdict**
• His sentence was overturned by the appeal court.
• He hopes that councillors will overturn the decision.
• She completely overturned my preconceptions about film stars.
• This argument seems convincing, but is easily overturned.

How to use Overturn

Used in legal and political contexts when a decision or ruling is reversed. Not typically used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

overturn + object

Memory hint

Think of a turtle overturned on its shell — it needs to be flipped back to normal.

Related words

Collocations with Overturn

• completely
• seek to
• try to
• fail to
• be easily overturned

Synonyms for Overturn

• reverse
• invalidate
• annul
• void
• overthrow

Opposites of Overturn

• uphold
• affirm
• support
• maintain

Common mistakes with Overturn

• Confused with 'overturning', forgetting to change the verb form.
• Using 'overturn' without an object, as it usually requires one.
• Mixing up 'overturn' with 'oversee', as they have different meanings.

Frequently asked questions about Overturn

What does Overturn mean?

To change a decision or rule to the opposite.

What is the definition of Overturn?

if something overturns, or if somebody overturns it, it turns into a position in which the top of it is where the bottom of it normally is or on its side

How do you use Overturn in a sentence?

The car skidded and overturned.

Can you give another example of Overturn?

He stood up quickly, overturning his chair.

What are synonyms for Overturn?

Common alternatives include reverse, invalidate, annul, void, overthrow.

What is the opposite of Overturn?

Opposite meanings include uphold, affirm, support, maintain.

What words go with Overturn?

It commonly pairs with completely, seek to, try to, fail to, be easily overturned.

What are common mistakes when using Overturn?

Confused with 'overturning', forgetting to change the verb form. Using 'overturn' without an object, as it usually requires one. Mixing up 'overturn' with 'oversee', as they have different meanings.

How do you pronounce Overturn?

US: /["/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrn/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnz/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnd/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːn/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnz/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnd/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Overturn?

Used in legal and political contexts when a decision or ruling is reversed. Not typically used in casual conversation.

What CEFR level is Overturn?

"Overturn" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.