C1verb5K

Overturn

UK /["/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːn/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnz/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnd/","/ˌəʊvəˈtɜːnɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrn/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnz/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnd/","/ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • reverse
  • invalidate
  • annul
  • void
  • overthrow

Antonyms

  • uphold
  • affirm
  • support
  • maintain

Common mistakes

  • 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.