Overturning: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in legal and formal settings when discussing the act of reversing a decision, verdict, or ruling. It implies a significant change from a previous stance.

• The court is considering overturning the controversial law.
• Overturning the previous decision, the new ruling brought justice to many.

Used in a wide range of contexts from formal to casual to indicate changing to an opposite direction, decision, or policy. It is versatile and not exclusively legal.

• The company decided to reverse its outdated policy.
• After reviewing the evidence, the judge reversed the earlier ruling.

Often used in legal, formal, and technical contexts to state that something is completely void and without effect. It has a stronger and more formal connotation than 'invalidate'.

• The Supreme Court nullified the controversial law.
• This clause nullifies the previous agreements made between the two parties.

Used when one wants to state that something is no longer valid or legally acceptable. Common in both legal contexts and everyday language to indicate nullification.

• The discovery of new evidence could invalidate the contract.
• His arguments were invalidated by the lack of supporting data.

Typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate the reversal of a decision or ruling. It implies a structured procedure or a formal decision being reversed.

• The court's overturning of the previous ruling surprised everyone.
• The new evidence led to the overturning of the case.

Implying causing something to fall down, typically used in both literal and figurative contexts. It suggests instability or loss of balance, and often has a slightly less violent connotation than 'overthrow'.

• The strong winds toppled the ancient tree.
• The scandal threatened to topple the political party from power.

Can be used to indicate an unexpected victory or defeat, particularly in sports or competition contexts. It suggests surprise or disruption of expectations. It can also carry a negative connotation if referring to causing emotional distress.

• The underdogs caused a major upset by winning the championship.
• The news of the layoffs upset the entire office.

Often used in political or governmental contexts to describe the removal of a leader or government, usually through force or a coup. It suggests a significant and often violent change.

• The rebels planned to overthrow the corrupt government.
• The overthrow of the regime was celebrated by the people.