capsize

verb

capsized; capsizing

transitive verb

: to cause to overturn
capsize a canoe

intransitive verb

: to become upset or overturned : turn over
the canoe capsized
capsize noun

Examples of capsize in a Sentence

They were fooling around and accidentally capsized the canoe. a huge wave out of nowhere caused our little sailboat to capsize
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dozens of African migrants died after a boat carrying around 150 people capsized off the coast of Yemen. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2025 The crash threw a passenger overboard and caused the boat to nearly capsize, officials said. Paloma Chavez, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2025 The sailboat capsized in Biscayne Bay, between Monument Island and Hibiscus Island, according to the Miami Beach Police Department. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 28 July 2025 The collision caused the vessel to capsize, putting the operator in the water. Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for capsize

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Spanish capuzar or Catalan cabussar to thrust (the head) underwater

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of capsize was in 1778

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capsize. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

capsize

verb
capsized; capsizing
: to become or cause to become upset or overturned : turn over
canoes capsize easily

More from Merriam-Webster on capsize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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