capsized
|cap-size|
/kæpˈsaɪz/
(capsize)
overturn
Etymology
'capsize' originates from late 17th-century English nautical usage; it likely combines 'cap' (relating to head or top) influenced by Latin 'caput' meaning 'head' and an ending formed in English nautical slang, producing the sense 'to turn head over heels'.
'capsize' appeared in nautical English in the late 1600s; earlier variant spellings such as 'capize' are recorded, and the word stabilized as 'capsize' in modern English.
Initially it carried the image of 'turning head over' (i.e., turning end over end); over time it narrowed to its modern primary sense 'to overturn (a vessel)' or 'to be overturned'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an instance of a vessel overturning; the event of capsizing.
There were several injuries after the capsize near the harbor.
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Verb 1
to overturn in the water; (of a boat or ship) to turn over so that the bottom is on top.
The small fishing boat capsized in the storm.
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Verb 2
to cause (a vessel or object) to overturn; to upset.
A rogue wave capsized the small yacht.
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Verb 3
past tense or past participle form of 'capsize'.
The lifeboat had capsized before they reached it.
Adjective 1
overturned or turned upside down (often used of boats): 'capsized boat' = a boat that has capsized.
They clung to a capsized dinghy until rescuers arrived.
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Last updated: 2025/11/09 07:04