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

Cause of crash is being investigated Videos of the accident show the carriage toppled to its side and crashed into a building on the steep and narrow street, with parts of the streetcar crumpled. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, France’s 30-year yield was at its highest since 2009 ahead of next week’s no confidence vote, which could see the government toppled over a fierce budget dispute. —Chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

Powerful straight-line winds that strafed Carmichael neighborhoods, toppling trees and sending roof shingles and patio furniture flying, blew in on the coattails of thunderstorms that struck the Sacramento area Tuesday. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Esmerelda in particular is one-note, nothing but a vain narcissist obsessed with toppling Ned. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 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