topple

Everyday

1. To topple is to become unsteady and fall over, or to push something so that it falls. tree →
2. To topple a leader or government means to make them lose power. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons it is used about balance and stability: a tall tower with a narrow base topples easily, and a wide base helps it stand. In play, a tower of blocks topples. In history and news, people topple rulers. Phrases: «topple over», «topple down», «be toppled».

Examples

• The tower of blocks toppled over. tree →
• The strong wind toppled the old tree. tree →
• Don't stack the cups so high or they will topple. tree →
• A wide base stops a tower from toppling. tree →
• The vase toppled off the shelf and broke. tree →
• The cat toppled the pile of books. tree →
• The people toppled the cruel king. tree →
• Then the ogre fell down and broke his crown, and the beanstalk came toppling after. tree →

Note

Regular verb: toppled, toppling. Can be used with or without an object: «the tower toppled» or «the wind toppled the tower». Toppling means falling from standing, especially something tall.