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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Topple Definition, Examples, and Common Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：fall over (topple)

topple 🔊

/ˈtɒp.l̩/

to fall over, often because something is not balanced or stable.

Topple meaning: unstable tower of blocks falling over in collapse

fall over 🔊

➕

/fɔːl ˈəʊvər/

To fall from an upright position, usually due to lack of stability or a push.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'top' + '-le' (frequentative suffix), meaning 'to fall from the top'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a Jenga tower: one wrong move and it topples. T-O-P-P-L-E = Top + P(L)op + E(nd).

📖 Example

The children watched in surprise as the tall stack of books toppled over after one was pulled out from the bottom. 🔊 The kids observed with astonishment when the pile of books fell over after a single volume was removed from the base.

🔗 Collocations

topple over – fall sideways or completely

topple down – collapse downward

topple from – fall off a higher position

🔄 Synonyms

fall (v.) – Move downward under gravity, often losing balance.

collapse (v.) – Fall down suddenly due to structural failure.

tumble (v.) – Roll or fall clumsily, typically in a dramatic way.

🚫 Antonyms

stand (v.) – Remain upright on the feet or base.

remain upright (phrase) – Stay in a vertical position without falling.

🌱 Derivatives

toppling (adj./n.) – Currently falling or the act of falling.

toppled (adj./v.) – Past tense or adjective meaning 'fallen over'.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates in Middle English 'toppen' (to tilt) + '-le'. Often used in news reports describing the sudden collapse of governments, e.g., 'The protest toppled the regime.'

Meaning 2：overthrow (topple)

topple 🔊

/ˈtɒp.l̩/

to remove a leader or government from power, often suddenly or by force.

overthrow 🔊

➕

/ˌəʊvərˈθrəʊ/

To forcefully remove a leader, government, or system from power, often through rebellion or coup.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The history lesson discussed how a popular uprising helped topple the unjust regime. 🔊 The history class talked about how a massive civilian revolt assisted in overthrowing the oppressive government.

🔗 Collocations

topple a government – Remove a ruling authority from power.

topple a regime – End an oppressive or dictatorial rule.

topple a leader – Force a president, king, or dictator out of office.

🔄 Synonyms

overthrow (v.) – Depose a ruler or system by force.

oust (v.) – Expel someone from a position or office.

depose (v.) – Remove a monarch or high official from power.

🚫 Antonyms

support (v.) – Provide backing or allegiance to a regime.

uphold (v.) – Maintain in power or preserve the existing order.

establish (v.) – Set up or bring into power a government.

🌱 Derivatives

toppler (n.) – A person or group that causes the downfall of a regime.