Capsize: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：overturn (of a boat) (capsize)

capsize 🔊

/ˈkæpsaɪz/

When a boat or ship turns over completely in the water, so its bottom faces up.

Capsize meaning illustrated by a rowboat flipping upside down in water

overturn (of a boat) 🔊

➕

/ˈoʊvərˌtɜrn (ʌv ə boʊt)/

To cause a boat or ship to turn over completely in the water, so that its bottom faces upward.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From French 'cap' (head) + 'sizer' (to put down).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a cap (head) sinking in size; a boat's head (bow) goes down and flips over.

📖 Example

The sudden strong wind caught them by surprise and nearly caused their small canoe to capsize. 🔊 The sudden strong wind caught them by surprise and nearly caused their small canoe to overturn.

🔗 Collocations

capsize a boat – to cause a boat to flip over

capsize in rough seas – to overturn due to turbulent water conditions

capsize accident – an incident involving a vessel turning over

🔄 Synonyms

overturn (v.) – to turn something so its underside is up

upset (v.) – to cause something to tip over

keel over (v.) – to fall or turn over sideways (specific to boats/ships)

🚫 Antonyms

right (v.) – to set something upright again

upright (adj.) – in a vertical position, not overturned

stable (adj.) – not likely to overturn

📖 Cultural Story

Its precise nautical origin is unknown but emerged as a specific term for a vessel overturning. It has been a critical safety concern in sailing, fishing, and naval history, where a capsize often meant disaster.