# toppling

/ˈtɑpəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈɒplɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/toppling
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to fall over suddenly, or to make something fall over. You use it for trees, walls and statues, and also for governments losing power.

For teachers: to lose balance and fall over, or to cause something to do so. Extended to the overthrow of a government, leader, or system.

## Examples

- The old fence is toppling in the strong wind.
- Protesters gathered in the square watching the crane remove the toppling statue after the storm.
- The investigation traced the company's collapse to a series of toppling partnerships that began with a single broken contract.

## Synonyms

Fall, overthrow

## Usage notes

- The verb is both transitive (to topple something) and intransitive (something topples).

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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.