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Capsizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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capsizing

[ˈkæp.saɪ.zɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sailing accident

Capsizing refers to the act of a boat or ship overturning in water. This can occur due to various factors including poor weather conditions, improper loading, or loss of balance while sailing. When a vessel capsizes, it generally poses significant risks to the safety of passengers and crew. Immediate action is often required to ensure the survival of those on board. Understanding the dynamics that lead to capsizing is crucial for navigators and sailors.

Synonyms

flipping, overturning, tipping, upending.

Examples of usage

  • The small sailboat capsized after hitting a strong wave.
  • They learned how to prevent their kayak from capsizing in rough waters.
  • The storm caused several boats to capsize along the coast.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Safety

  • Capsizing is a major safety concern in boating; many training programs emphasize techniques to avoid it.
  • Modern life jackets and boat designs aim to reduce the risk of capsizing by improving stability.

Pop Culture

  • Capsizing has been depicted in various films and literature, noting the dramatic tension it can create in water adventure stories.
  • The Titanic's sinking is an extreme example of a ship capsizing, stirring public interest and leading to numerous films and documentaries.

Science

  • The physics of capsizing involves concepts like center of gravity and buoyancy, which determine how stable a boat is in water.
  • Research in naval architecture helps design boats that are less likely to capsize, optimizing their shapes for better water performance.

History

  • Throughout history, numerous maritime accidents have been caused by capsizing, leading to stricter regulations for vessel safety.
  • Historically, wooden ships were more prone to capsizing than modern vessels because of their design and materials used.

Origin of 'capsizing'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'capsizing' comes from the word 'cap', meaning a cover or top, and 'size', meaning to turn. Together, it refers to something turning over.
  • Similar terms derive from nautical language, where sailors used words from different languages to describe actions at sea.

The term 'capsize' originates from the combination of the prefix 'cap-' from the Latin 'caput', meaning 'head', and the suffix '-size', which is related to the idea of tilting or turning. It is primarily used in nautical contexts to describe the situation when a boat or ship turns upside down in the water. The word became popular in maritime language in the early 19th century, capturing the risks associated with sailing and navigation. Over time, 'capsizing' has transcended its maritime roots, being applied in various contexts to describe similar instances of overturning or losing equilibrium.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,311 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.