capsize

verb

cap·​size ˈkap-ˌsīz 

kap-ˈsīz

capsized; capsizing

transitive verb

: to cause to overturn

capsize a canoe

intransitive verb

: to become upset or overturned : turn over

the canoe capsized

capsize noun

Synonyms

• overturn
• turn over
• upset

Examples of capsize in a Sentence

They were fooling around and accidentally capsized the canoe.

a huge wave out of nowhere caused our little sailboat to capsize

Recent Examples on the Web

Three people were rescued after a fishing vessel capsized Thursday 40 miles offshore from Caillou Bay, Louisiana, the Coast Guard said in a news statement. —Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2025

On the verge of losing all hope, Michael encounters a stern, elderly Japanese soldier (Ken Watanabe) who was stranded there after his military boat capsized during World War II. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2025

These conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering response, along with broaching, which leads to capsizing. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Upton was a Navy radioman aboard the USS Utah when torpedoes hit the battleship and quickly capsized it, the nonprofit Pacific Historic Parks said in a social media post. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Spanish capuzar or Catalan cabussar to thrust (the head) underwater

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

capsize

verb

cap·​size ˈkap-ˌsīz 

kap-ˈsīz

capsized; capsizing

: to become or cause to become upset or overturned : turn over

canoes capsize easily