# topple

/ˈtɑpəɫ/ (US) · /tˈɒpəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/topple
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to fall over or to knock someone or something down. You can also use it to describe a leader or government losing power suddenly.

For teachers: to fall over or to cause something to fall over; to overthrow a person in power or a government. Transitive when referring to an object or a leader; intransitive when describing the act of falling.

## Examples

- The heavy wind toppled the old fence.
- The scandal led to the sudden topple of the prime minister and his entire cabinet.
- While the physical structure of the bridge remained intact, the political system toppled overnight as the public lost faith in the ruling party's ability to manage the crisis.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.