Overturned: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

overturned

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈtɜrnd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal decision

To overturn means to reverse or annul a decision, verdict, or ruling. This term is often used in legal contexts when a higher court nullifies the decision of a lower court. Overturning can occur due to various reasons, including procedural errors, new evidence, or a re-evaluation of the law. It signifies a significant shift in the matter being considered, often impacting the parties involved deeply.

Synonyms

annul, invalidate, retract, reverse, revoke

Examples of usage

  • The appellate court overturned the previous ruling.
  • The law was overturned by the legislative assembly.
  • She successfully overturned the unjust decision made against her.
  • They hope to overturn the election results.
Context #2 | Verb

physical action

To overturn also refers to the action of causing something to be turned upside down or to be knocked over. This meaning is often used in everyday contexts, such as spilling a drink or causing an object to fall. It can involve a physical interaction that results in disarray or disorder in the position of the object.

Synonyms

capsize, invert, spill, tip over, upend

Examples of usage

  • The wind overturned the table outside.
  • He accidentally overturned the glass of water.
  • The waves overturned the small boat.
  • The child overturned the block tower in excitement.

Translations

Translations of the word "overturned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anulado

🇮🇳 उलट

🇩🇪 umgekehrt

🇮🇩 terbalik

🇺🇦 скасований

🇵🇱 unieważniony

🇯🇵 覆された

🇫🇷 annulé

🇪🇸 anulado

🇹🇷 iptal edilmiş

🇰🇷 뒤집힌

🇸🇦 ملغى

🇨🇿 zrušený

🇸🇰 zrušený

🇨🇳 推翻的

🇸🇮 razveljavljen

🇮🇸 felldur

🇰🇿 жойылған

🇬🇪 აუქმებული

🇦🇿 lğv edilmiş

🇲🇽 anulado

Etymology

The word 'overturned' is derived from the Old English 'turnian,' meaning 'to turn' or 'to turn around.' The prefix 'over-' indicates an action that goes beyond the ordinary turning action, implying a complete reversal or change of state. Its usage has evolved over centuries, particularly in legal contexts where the need to reverse decisions became increasingly relevant with the development of judicial systems. Over time, 'overturned' found its way into everyday usage to describe not just legal decisions, but also physical actions that result in objects being flipped or disordered, showcasing the adaptability of language and its ability to encompass various meanings stemming from a root concept.