覆(くつがえ)す

くつがえす
godan verb
to overturn; to overthrow; to reverse
1. to overturn; to upset; to capsize
To physically turn something upside down or cause it to fall over.
強風(きょうふう)で船(ふね)が覆(くつがえ)った。
The boat capsized in the strong wind.
2. to overthrow; to reverse; to overturn
To reverse a decision, disprove a theory, or fundamentally change the established order.
証拠(しょうこ)が常識(じょうしき)を覆(くつがえ)した。
The evidence overturned conventional wisdom.
判決(はんけつ)を覆(くつがえ)すのは難(むずか)しい。
It is difficult to overturn a verdict.

VERB TYPE:
他動詞(たどうし) (transitive verb)

INTRANSITIVE PAIR:
覆(くつがえ)る - to be overturned, to capsize (intransitive)

CONJUGATION:

Godan verb (五段動詞(ごだんどうし)) ending in す

  • 覆(くつがえ)さない (negative)
  • 覆(くつがえ)して (te-form)
  • 覆(くつがえ)した (past)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 判決(はんけつ)を覆(くつがえ)す - to overturn a verdict
  • 予想(よそう)を覆(くつがえ)す - to defy expectations
  • 定説(ていせつ)を覆(くつがえ)す - to overturn an established theory
  • 常識(じょうしき)を覆(くつがえ)す - to turn common sense on its head

USAGE NOTES:
Sense 2 (figurative) is more common in modern usage. Often used in news and academic contexts when discussing revolutionary discoveries or legal appeals.

general
Added 2026.1.20 19:31 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:32
07500/07568_kutsugaesu