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

Last August, six people died when a boat carrying dozens of migrants capsized. —Emmanuel Miculita and Chris Liakos, CNN, 3 Sep. 2024

In March the bodies of eight Chinese migrants — seven of them women — washed ashore after their boat capsized off the coast of Mexico’s Oaxaca state, a popular migrant route. —Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 29 July 2024

Three people, including two children, have died after their boat capsized while on Arizona's Lake Powell. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 29 July 2024

An incredible video captured the moment a whale off the coast of New Hampshire capsized a boat, sending two men flying into the ocean. —Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 23 July 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