overthrown

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "overthrown" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb meaning to take control of a government or institution, usually by force. You can use it when referring to a situation in which one group or individual usurps or overthrows the power of another. For example: "In 1821, Bolivar's forces successfully overthrew the Spanish monarchy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

President Putin has shown up after an unexplained 10-day absence and, as one wag on Twitter said, looks in pretty good shape considering he died on Thursday, fathered a "love child" on Friday and was overthrown in a coup on Saturday.

The Guardian

This is equally so, of course, within Britain itself – at least in the literary sphere, the authority of Lord Chesterfield's dictators has been overthrown.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that idea was overthrown when, decades later, a researcher called Brian Ferguson re-examined all documented cases of Yanomami warfare.

The Economist

Will Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif follow in the footsteps of Benazir Bhutto and perpetuate the pattern in Pakistan?Mrs Sharif is the wife of Nawaz Sharif, whose elected government was overthrown last October in a military coup.

The Economist

When, on the other hand, authoritarian governments are overthrown in military uprisings (as opposed to peaceful revolutions, which are more common), the arms that defeat them come from defecting soldiers or outside aid.

The Economist

When Mr Mubarak was overthrown, Egypt's economy was fairly healthy, its institutions intact, if creaky, and the country pretty much united.

The Economist

Thaksin Shinawatra was overthrown in a bloodless coup by the army, in 2006 one of those unlucky nine.

The Economist

His is a classic story of the development of a financial paradigm which is overthrown in a (near) instant, fueling a panic.

The Economist

James was overthrown by a genuinely revolutionary combination of violent popular uprisings in England and an Anglo-Dutch military invasion.

The Economist

Several parties also back a return of the monarchy, which was overthrown by Qaddafi in 1969.And then there are the Islamists, who cover a wide spectrum.

The Economist

This will make them the largest UN force in current operation.Hissène Habré, a former Chadian dictator, was indicted for "torture and barbarity" by a court in Senegal, where he has been living since he was overthrown in 1990.See article: A Chadian ex-dictator indictedAt least 35 people died when the heaviest rains for 50 years fell upon Mozambique and then spread elsewhere in southern Africa.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overthrown", ensure the context clearly indicates the forceful or decisive removal of a government, system, or authority. Be specific about the agents and methods involved in the act.

Common error

Avoid using "overthrown" in situations where the removal is voluntary or due to natural causes. This verb implies a deliberate act of forceful removal, not a resignation or natural decline.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overthrown" is as the past participle of the verb "overthrow", often used in the passive voice to describe the action of being forcibly removed from power. Ludwig indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overthrown" is the past participle of "overthrow", and denotes a forceful removal from power, be it a government, leader, or system. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage is frequent across news, formal, and scientific contexts, signaling its broad applicability. When using "overthrown", consider its implications of forceful removal and ensure it aligns with the context. Avoid using it in situations involving voluntary departures or natural failures. Remember it suggests a deliberate act of forceful removal, not a simple resignation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deposed

Implies a formal removal from office, often through legal or constitutional means. It is a slightly more formal term.

removed from power

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the loss of authority and control.

ousted

Suggests a forceful or abrupt removal, often implying opposition or conflict.

deprived of authority

Focuses on the loss of the right or ability to exercise power.

dethroned

Specifically refers to the removal of a monarch from their throne.

unseated

Implies being dislodged or displaced from a position, not necessarily through force.

toppled

Suggests a sudden and often violent fall from power.

subverted

Indicates an undermining or corruption of power from within.

supplanted

Suggests replacing someone or something with a newer or better alternative.

displaced

A general term for being moved or forced out of a position.

FAQs

How is "overthrown" typically used in a sentence?

The word "overthrown" is commonly used to describe the forceful removal of a government, leader, or system from power. For example: "The dictator was "deposed" and his regime was "overthrown" by a military coup."

What are some synonyms for "overthrown"?

Alternatives for "overthrown" include "deposed", "ousted", "toppled", or "removed from power". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "overthrown" to describe the failure of a plan or project?

No, "overthrown" is generally reserved for describing the removal of a governing power or established system. For a failed plan or project, consider using words like "failed", "collapsed", or "abandoned".

What is the difference between "overthrown" and "defeated"?

"Overthrown" implies a forceful and often sudden removal from a position of power, whereas "defeated" suggests losing in a competition, battle, or election. They are not interchangeable in most contexts.