capsize

verb

cap·​size ˈkap-ˌsīz 

kap-ˈsīz

capsized; capsizing

transitive verb

: to cause to overturn

capsize a canoe

intransitive verb

: to become upset or overturned : turn over

the canoe capsized

capsize noun

Synonyms of capsize

• overturn
• collapse
• keel
• upset

Examples of capsize in a Sentence

They were fooling around and accidentally capsized the canoe.

a huge wave out of nowhere caused our little sailboat to capsize

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials have identified another victim after a 49-foot cabin cruiser capsized in the San Francisco Bay on July 14, leaving a 79-year-old man dead and three people missing. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 July 2026

The body discovered Thursday floating near Treasure Island has been identified as one of the three people still missing after a boat capsized earlier this week in the San Francisco Bay. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

As water poured in, the vessel drifted before capsizing near the island’s coast. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

One person is dead and three others are missing after a boat with more than a dozen passengers aboard capsized and sank in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island on Tuesday, according to local authorities. — Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Spanish capuzar or Catalan cabussar to thrust (the head) underwater

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for capsize

• advise
• applies
• apprise
• arise
• assize
• baptize
• belies
• bitwise
• chastise
• chordwise
• clockwise
• coastwise

Kids Definition

capsize

verb

cap·​size ˈkap-ˌsīz 

kap-ˈsīz

capsized; capsizing

: to become or cause to become upset or overturned : turn over

canoes capsize easily