topple — to fall or cause to fall over, especially from a high position
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to fall or cause to fall over, especially from a high position
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɑːpəl/
Example Sentences
- The CEO's scandal caused his reputation to topple like a house of cards.
- My attempt to stack 50 pizza boxes toppled when I sneezed.
- The protesters managed to topple the dictator after months of demonstrations.
topple
VERB[/ˈtɑːpəl/]
to fall or cause to fall over, especially from a high position
Tower topples and blocks scatter everywhere
The stopple shakes, waves popple, and bottles topple!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'topen' or 'toppen', likely of imitative or onomatopoetic origin, possibly influenced by Old Norse 'toppa' meaning to strike or hit. The word evolved to describe the action of something falling over or tumbling down.
Breakdown
top (highest point) + -ple (frequentative suffix suggesting repeated or tumbling motion) = topple (to fall or cause to fall repeatedly/tumble)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The CEO's scandal caused his reputation to topple like a house of cards.”
“My attempt to stack 50 pizza boxes toppled when I sneezed.”
“The protesters managed to topple the dictator after months of demonstrations.”
“My cat's mission in life seems to be toppling everything off my desk.”
📚Related Words
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