capsize

verb

cap·​size ˈkap-ˌsīz How to pronounce capsize (audio)
kap-ˈsīz
capsized; capsizing
Synonyms of capsizenext

transitive verb

: to cause to overturn
capsize a canoe

intransitive verb

: to become upset or overturned : turn over
the canoe capsized
capsize noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The migrant boat capsized and sank due to the severity of the impact, causing all passengers on board to fall into the sea a few miles off the coast of Turkey, the statement said. Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026 Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026 At one point, the Port of Astoria dispatched a 32-foot fiberglass replica of sea lions’ primary predator, the orca, outfitted with real orca sounds, that almost immediately capsized. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026 At least 30 passengers were killed when their boat capsized in September, while 25 others died in similar circumstances in July. Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capsize

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of capsize was in 1778

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capsize. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

capsize

verb
cap·​size ˈkap-ˌsīz How to pronounce capsize (audio)
kap-ˈsīz
capsized; capsizing
: to become or cause to become upset or overturned : turn over
canoes capsize easily

More from Merriam-Webster on capsize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster