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overthrow

[v. oh-ver-throh; n. oh-ver-throh]

Origin

verb (used with object)

to depose, as from a position of power; overcome, defeat, or vanquish: to overthrow a tyrant.

to put an end to by force, as a government or institution.

to throw or knock down; overturn; topple: The heavy winds overthrew numerous telephone poles and trees.

to knock down and demolish.

to throw (something) too far.

EXPAND

Baseball. (of a pitcher) to throw too hard, often affecting control or straining the arm.

Archaic. to destroy the sound condition of (the mind).

COLLAPSE

verb (used without object)

to throw too far: If I hadn't overthrown, it would have been a sure putout.

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to spend time idly; loaf.

to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle.

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noun

the act of overthrowing; state or condition of being overthrown.

10.

deposition from power.

11.

defeat; destruction; ruin.

Origin:
1300–50; Middle English; see over-, throw

Related forms

o·ver·throw·er, noun

pre·o·ver·throw, noun

pre·o·ver·throw, verb (used with object), -threw, -thrown, -throw·ing.

un·o·ver·thrown, adjective

Synonyms
1. conquer, overpower. 4. destroy, raze, level. 11. fall.

Link To overthrow

Collins

World English Dictionary

overthrow

—vb , -throws, -throwing, -threw, -thrown
1.	(tr) to effect the downfall or destruction of (a ruler, institution, etc), esp by force
2.	(tr) to throw or turn over
3.	(tr) to throw (something, esp a ball) too far

—n
4.	an act of overthrowing
5.	downfall; destruction
6.	cricket
	a. a ball thrown back too far by a fielder
	b. a run scored because of this

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source

Etymonline

Word Origin & History

overthrow

early 14c., "to knock down," from over + throw (q.v.). Figurative sense of "to cast down from power, defeat" is attested from late 14c.

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"Tobacco, divine, rare, superexcellent tobacco, which goes far beyond all the panaceas, potable gold, and philosophers' stones, a sovereign remedy to all diseases ... but as it is commonly abused by most men, which take it as tinkers do ale, 'tis a plague, a mischief, a violent purger of goods, lands, health; hellish, devilish and damned tobacco, the ruin and overthrow of body and soul."

-Robert Burton

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