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

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

Dozens are missing after a boat carrying more than 200 migrants on their way to Europe capsized off the coast of Gambia, the West African nation’s leader said. —Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026

Members of the United States Coast Guard rescued four boaters after their vessel capsized about 30 miles north of Key West. —Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 1 Jan. 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