Topple: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Middle English term 'topplen', which means to tumble or fall over.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Old English 'topylian', linked to the idea of unbalancing something.
• The word has been around since the 14th century, indicating its long-standing use in the English language.

Cultural References

• Toppling can refer to famous historical events, such as the fall of dictators in revolutions.
• In popular media, topple is often seen in cartoons where characters knock over towers or structures for comedic effect.
• In board games, 'topple' can describe the action of caused pieces to collapse when a player makes a move.

Psychology

• The act of toppling something can relate to the concept of 'cognitive dissonance,' where conflicting beliefs cause a mental 'collapse'.
• Studies show that watching something topple can evoke feelings of surprise or laughter, impacting our emotional responses.
• People often use metaphors of toppling when discussing failures – making it relatable and easier to understand failure in life.

Physics

• Toppling involves concepts of balance and gravity; an object topples when its center of mass shifts beyond its support base.
• In engineering, understanding how structures can topple helps in designing buildings that resist earthquakes.
• Experiments in schools often use toppled objects to teach students about forces, gravity, and balance.

Literature

• The theme of toppling power dynamics is popular in literature, often depicting the fall of heroes or rulers.
• Metaphorically, characters in many stories experience a 'topple' of their beliefs or perspectives, leading to growth.
• In fables and fairy tales, the act of toppling usually serves as a lesson about humility and consequences.

Positioned at #23,962, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 23959 villager
• 23960 escapement
• 23961 specificities
• 23962 topple
• 23963 sward
• 23964 coercing
• 23965 belatedly
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