Topple

Pronunciation: /tɑpəl/

Definitions of topple

verb to fall forward or to cause something to fall forward, especially in a sudden or unexpected way

Example Sentences

A1 The strong wind could easily topple the small tree in the backyard.

A2 Be careful not to topple the tower of blocks while playing with them.

B1 The protesters managed to topple the government's corrupt regime.

B2 The scandalous revelations threatened to topple the company's reputation.

C1 The political scandal had the potential to topple the entire administration.

C2 The economic crisis could potentially topple the global financial system.

Examples of topple in a Sentence

formal The strong winds caused the tree to topple over.

informal The gusty winds made the tree topple.

slang The tree totally toppled in the storm.

figurative The scandal could potentially topple the entire government.

Grammatical Forms of topple

• past tense: toppled
• plural: topples
• comparative: more toppled
• superlative: most toppled
• present tense: topple
• future tense: will topple
• perfect tense: have toppled
• continuous tense: toppling
• singular: topple
• positive degree: topple
• infinitive: to topple
• gerund: toppling
• participle: toppling

Origin and Evolution of topple

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'topple' originated from the Old English word 'toplian' which means to fall headlong or tumble over.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'topple' has retained its meaning of falling or tumbling over, but has also come to be used figuratively to describe the overthrow or collapse of something powerful or significant.