overturn

UK: ˌəʊvəˈtɜːn | US: ˌoʊvərˈtɜːrn

Definition
  1. vt. to turn something over or upside down

  2. vt. to reverse a decision, law, or situation

  3. vi. to capsize or tip over

Structure
over <above, beyond>turn <rotate, change direction>
Etymology

The word "overturn" combines "over," from Old English "ofer" (meaning "above" or "beyond"), and "turn," from Old English "tyrnan" (meaning "to rotate" or "change direction"). The fusion reflects a literal or figurative action of turning something beyond its original position or state. Historically, it evolved from physical actions (e.g., flipping an object) to abstract reversals (e.g., legal decisions).

Examples
  1. The strong wind caused the boat to overturn in the storm.

  2. The Supreme Court voted to overturn the controversial law.

  3. Protesters demanded the government overturn its unfair policies.

  4. She accidentally overturned the vase, spilling water everywhere.

  5. The appellate court may overturn the lower court’s ruling.