overthrow
UK[ˌəʊvəˈθrəʊ]US[ˌoʊvərˈθroʊ]
v
To remove a ruler or government from power by force.
v
(In sports) to throw a ball beyond the intended target.
n
The act of removing a ruler or government from power.
Morpheme Breakdown
over
throw
over
above, beyond
throw
to propel
Etymology
The word 'overthrow' is a transparent compound from Middle English, formed by combining the native English elements 'over' and 'throw'. Its literal, physical sense of "to throw over" or "to overturn" is evident in its earliest uses from the 14th century, such as knocking down a foe or a structure. This concrete imagery was naturally extended to the political and social sphere by the late 14th century, metaphorically meaning to cast down or bring to an end a regime or authority. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of forcibly removing a government retains the core logic of the original morphemes: using force (throw) to topple something from its position of power (over).
Analysis
Structure: over (above, beyond) + throw (to propel)
- over: A preposition/adverb of Germanic origin (Old English ofer), meaning "above, beyond, across." In this compound, it conveys the sense of excess or reversal.
- throw: A verb of Germanic origin (Old English þrāwan, meaning "to twist, turn"). Its core meaning evolved to "to propel through the air." In this compound, it provides the core action.
Examples
The rebels conspired to overthrow the tyrannical king.
The quarterback's overthrow resulted in an interception.
The revolution led to the complete overthrow of the old social order.