Topple
/ˈtɑːpəl/
verbB1
Definition
Topple means to fall forward or sideways because of losing balance, or to cause something or someone to fall this way. It is often used when talking about tall things, like towers or trees, or when a leader or government loses power suddenly.
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See It in Action
To fall down by losing balance
- •The statue toppled during the earthquake.
- •A strong wind toppled the old tree.
- •The tower toppled after the base was damaged.
To cause a person, government, or system to lose power suddenly
- •The rebels tried to topple the government.
- •The leader was toppled in a political coup.
- •The company was toppled by a new competitor.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "topple" like "fall," but usually for something tall or standing that falls down completely
- ✓Picture a tall stack of blocks slowly leaning and then falling over to the ground
- ✓It's the feeling when you see a strong person suddenly lose balance and fall down unexpectedly
- ✓Sounds like "TOP-pull" → imagine pulling the top of something until it falls down
- ✓Think of a castle tower hit by wind or a strong push, slowly falling down piece by piece
- ✓NOT like "drop" (which means letting go of something), "topple" means losing balance and falling over
- ✓NOT like "collapse" (which can mean falling down suddenly and completely), "topple" often shows a slow or tipping fall
- ✓NOT like "fall" (general word), "topple" is more specific to something tall or upright losing balance and falling
Try Other Words
- •Overturn: to turn something over or upside down (Use when focusing on turning something completely, not just falling)
- •Collapse: to fall down suddenly and completely (Use when something breaks down or falls apart quickly)
- •Knock down: to cause to fall by hitting or pushing (Use when someone or something pushes another to fall)
- •Fall: to move downward from a higher place (Use in general situations without balance or power context)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; root word "topple" may relate to "top" (the highest part)
- •Etymology: From Middle English "topplen," related to "top," meaning to fall from the top or tip over
- •Historical development: Used since the 1400s to describe falling or tipping over of tall objects
- •Modern usage: Used for physical falling of objects and metaphorically for losing power or position
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of things in your life can topple easily, and how do you keep them steady?
•Can you think of situations where a person or group might topple suddenly? What causes this?
Fill in the blanks
1.A strong wind can topple a tree if the ___ is weak or the ground is soft.
2.When a leader is toppled, it usually means they lost ___ quickly and unexpectedly.
3.The statue toppled because it did not have a ___ base to hold it steady.
4.Unlike just falling, to topple something often involves losing ___ before falling.
5.The old building finally toppled after years of ___ and damage.
6.Rebels tried to topple the government by organizing a ___.
7.If a stack of books is not balanced well, it can easily topple with the ___ touch.