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

The coast guard, part of Italy's navy, dispatched a patrol boat to the area where the migrant craft capsized at the request of Maltese authorities. —ABC News, 7 June 2026

But many people don’t know what happened just a short paddle away in 1926, when the fishing boat Thema capsized during a big swell off Corona del Mar, before the jetties were put in place. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 June 2026

The year before, a tourist boat capsized in the nearby area with 14 passengers and two crew members on board. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026

Emergency officials said the vessel — a Sever-750 airboat designed to travel across both ice and water — capsized just offshore with 18 people aboard. —Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 20 May 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