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

During an excursion, his boat encountered treacherous waters and capsized. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Nov. 2025

Small boats carrying migrants have capsized numerous times before, including in the same area where Friday's incident happened. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025

Two alleged people smugglers have been charged after a panga boat holding migrants capsized off Imperial Beach, San Diego, killing four passengers, federal prosecutors said Monday. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 18 Nov. 2025

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