What does overturning mean?
Overturning means reversing something so that its former position, force, or validity is changed. The word is especially common in law and government: a court may describe the overturning of a conviction, while a higher court can be involved in the overturning of a decision or verdict. Such use does not always mean that the opposite position is necessarily correct; it indicates that the earlier judgment cannot stand or has been legally displaced. The verb is also used physically, especially for vehicles or boats that turn over or capsize, and politically for the overthrow of a government or authority. In general contexts, overturning suggests disruption, reversal, or the removal of something previously accepted or established. It is more forceful and final than simply changing or correcting something, and the precise implication depends on whether the subject is a legal ruling, a physical object, or an institution.
verbTo reverse, overturn, or set aside something such as a decision, ruling, or established order. It can also mean to capsize or cause something to turn over.
- To reverse or set aside a decision, ruling, verdict, or established order.
- To cause a vehicle, vessel, or other object to turn over or capsize.
- To bring down or overthrow a government, regime, or authority.
"The appellate court overturned the conviction after reviewing new evidence."
"The constitutional court is considering whether to overturn the earlier ruling."
"Strong winds overturned several fishing boats near the harbor."
Overturning a conviction does not necessarily establish innocence; it means the original verdict cannot legally stand.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overturning come from?
Overturning derives from the verb overturn, which was formed in Middle English using the prefix over- and the element turn. Both elements ultimately have Germanic origins: over- comes from Old English ofer, while turn was borrowed into English through Old French from Latin. Modern forms preserve this combination in the sense of reversing, toppling, or setting aside something.
Related word forms
How overturning is actually used
Overturning is the present participle and gerund form of overturn. It commonly follows an auxiliary verb, as in "is overturning," or appears in phrases such as "the overturning of the verdict."
Easily confused with overturning
Overturning means reversing or toppling something, whereas turnover usually refers to the movement of employees, the sale of goods, or a change in business performance.