invert

UK: ɪnˈvɜːt | US: ɪnˈvɜːrt

Definition
  1. vt. to turn upside down or inside out

  2. vt. to reverse the order, position, or relationship of something

  3. adj. (biology) inverted; turned inward or backward

Structure
in <into, reverse>vert <turn>
Etymology

The word invert traces back to Latin invertere, combining in- (reverse) and vertere (to turn). It entered English via Old French invertir in the 16th century, originally describing physical reversal (e.g., flipping an object). Over time, it expanded to abstract reversals (order, logic). The root vert is prolific in English, reflecting motion or change (e.g., advertise = "turn toward," divert = "turn aside").

Examples
  1. The artist inverted the image to create a mirror effect.

  2. Invert the cake onto a plate to remove it from the pan.

  3. The scientist observed an inverted hierarchy in the animal group.

  4. To solve the puzzle, you must invert the sequence of numbers.

  5. Some plants have inverted roots that grow above ground.