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overthrow

 - 3 dictionary results

o⋅ver⋅throw

[v. oh-ver-throh; n. oh-ver-throh] verb, -threw, -thrown, -throw⋅ing, noun
–verb (used with object)
1. to depose, as from a position of power; overcome, defeat, or vanquish: to overthrow a tyrant.
2. to put an end to by force, as a government or institution.
3. to throw or knock down; overturn; topple: The heavy winds overthrew numerous telephone poles and trees.
4. to knock down and demolish.
5. to throw (something) too far.
6. Baseball. (of a pitcher) to throw too hard, often affecting control or straining the arm.
7. Archaic. to destroy the sound condition of (the mind).
–verb (used without object)
8. to throw too far: If I hadn't overthrown, it would have been a sure putout.
–noun
9. the act of overthrowing; state or condition of being overthrown.
10. deposition from power.
11. defeat; destruction; ruin.

Origin:
1300–50; ME; see over-, throw


o⋅ver⋅throw⋅er, noun


1. conquer, overpower. 4. destroy, raze, level. 11. fall.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To overthrow
o·ver·throw   (ō'vər-thrō')   
tr.v.   o·ver·threw (-thrōō'), o·ver·thrown (-thrōn'), o·ver·throw·ing, o·ver·throws
  1. To throw over; overturn.

  2. To bring about the downfall or destruction of, especially by force or concerted action: a plot to overthrow the government.

  3. Sports To throw an object over and beyond (an intended mark): The infielder overthrew first base.

n.   (ō'vər-thrō')
  1. An instance of overthrowing, especially one that results in downfall or destruction.

  2. Sports The throwing of a ball over and beyond a target, especially in baseball.

Synonyms: These verbs mean to cause the downfall, destruction, abolition, or undoing of: overthrow an empire; overturn existing institutions; subverting civil order; toppled the government; upset all our plans.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

overthrow  (v.)
c.1330, "to knock down," from over + throw (q.v.). Fig. sense of "to cast down from power, defeat" is attested from c.1374.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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