Words / C1

ohv-uh-THROH/ˌəʊvəˈθrəʊ/

To overthrow is to remove a leader or government from power, usually by force: overthrow a regime. Remove is everyday and calmer; oust can be political without tanks; a coup is the event. Do not use overthrow as campus slang for a committee vote.

Meaning

To remove a leader or government from power, especially by force.

Examples

• “To overthrow a government is not a campus governance metaphor.”
• “Remove is everyday. Topple is a news cousin. Overrule (this batch) is a higher body rejecting a decision — not a revolution. A board resignation is not an overthrow. Keep the word for real power, not a timetable row.”

Good to know

Force from power (serious, political). Everyday: remove. Contrast: overrule (this batch, official rejection). Not a committee metaphor.

Near in meaning

remove

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