topple

UK: /ˈtɒp^əl/ US: /ˈtɑpəl/ ,(top′əl)

Inflections of 'topple' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

topples

v 3rd person singular

toppling

v pres p

toppled

v past

toppled

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

top•ple /ˈtɑpəl/   v., -pled, -pling. 

1. to (cause to) fall forward, as from being top-heavy, or from being weak: [no object]
   He suddenly toppled to the sidewalk.
   [~ + object]
   toppled the challenger with one punch.
2. to remove from power, as from a position of authority:
   [~ + object] to topple a king.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

top•ple  (top′əl), v., -pled, -pling. 
v.i. 

1. to fall forward, as from having too heavy a top;
   pitch;
   tumble down.
2. to lean over or jut, as if threatening to fall.

v.t. 

3. to cause to topple.
4. to overthrow, as from a position of authority:
   to topple the king.

• earlier top to tilt, topple (see tope¹) + -le 1535–45

Synonyms

• 4. defeat, vanquish, overcome, overpower.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

topple / ˈtɒp^əl/ verb

1. to tip over or cause to tip over, esp from a height
2. (intransitive) to lean precariously or totter
3. (transitive) to overthrow; oust

Etymology: 16th Century: frequentative of top¹ (verb)