Topple

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈtɑpl̩/

Definitions

1. To cause something tall or unstable to fall over, or to remove someone from a position of power
2. To bring about the collapse of something that is upright or to overthrow an authority figure from their leadership position
3. To make an object lose its balance and fall down or to depose a leader from their office

Etymology: "Topple" is built from the noun "top" plus the suffix "-le," a frequentative ending that turns a word into a verb meaning to do something repeatedly or in a jerky, back-and-forth way. Its literal ancestor is therefore something like "to keep moving the top," which is a long way from the modest sense of "to tip over." The "-le" ending is the same one found in "dazzle," "sparkle," and "wriggle," where it likewise signals a repeated or wavering action. The "top" part is ancient. It descends from a Proto-Germanic root, reaching Old English as "top," meaning the highest point or summit. Over time, the frequentative suffix added to that root gave English a verb describing something rocking on its peak until it lost its balance.

Synonyms: overthrow, collapse, fall, tumble, unseat

Antonyms: stabilize, support, strengthen, secure, maintain