topple

verb

top·​ple ˈtä-pəl 

toppled; toppling ˈtä-p(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

: to fall from or as if from being top-heavy

transitive verb

1

: to cause to topple

2

a

: overthrow sense 2

topple a dictator

b

: defeat sense 1

Synonyms

• fall
• stumble
• trip
• slip
• tumble

Examples of topple in a Sentence

The strong winds toppled many trees.

The earthquake toppled the buildings.

The tree toppled into the river.

The rebels tried to topple the dictator.

The phone company has toppled its local competition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bloodthirsty activist investors are on track to topple more CEOs in 2025 than ever before, according to Barclays’ latest quarterly review of shareholder activism. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

As the 2008 recession threatens to topple their fortune, the family’s glittering dream begins to fracture, exposing the real costs of fame and excess. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025

Among those who think the war should not be ended, 56 percent said operations must continue to topple and remove Hamas while just over a quarter (28 percent) believe continued fighting is key to freeing the hostages. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025

Continue reading … LOCKED IN LA – Mexican Mafia 'command structure' toppled as FBI swoops in on violent California gang. —FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of top entry 3

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for topple

• estoppel
• popple

Kids Definition

topple

verb

top·​ple ˈtäp-əl 

toppled; toppling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to fall over from being too heavy at the top

2

: to push over