capsize

IPA/kæpˈsaɪz/
KK[kˈæpsˌaɪz]IPA/ˈkæpsaɪz/

capsize — verb

  • capsizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • capsizeshe / she / it
  • capsizedpast simple
  • capsizing-ing form

1. To make a boat or similar craft flip over while afloat, or for it to flip over u

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveC1
Definition

To make a boat or similar craft flip over while afloat, or for it to flip over unexpectedly in the water.

Example

Huge waves capsized Ryo's fishing boat before the rescue team arrived.

transitive: waves capsize + boat

Christopher's kayak capsized when he leaned too far over the side.

intransitive: kayak capsized after uneven movement

Common collocations
  • capsize a boat
  • capsize a kayak
  • capsize in rough water
  • almost capsize
  • capsize in a storm
Synonyms
  • overturn

    More general; it can describe boats, vehicles, or other objects turning over.

  • tip over

    Often suggests a slower loss of balance and is common with smaller objects.

  • flip over

    An everyday phrase that focuses on the turning motion itself.

Grammar Patterns

boat/kayak/canoe + capsize

wave/wind/sharp turn + capsize + boat/kayak/canoe

Usage Note

Usually used for boats, kayaks, canoes, rafts, and ships in water. In transitive use, the subject is often a wave, strong wind, or sudden movement rather than a person.

Common Mistakes

The bus capsized on the highway.
The bus overturned on the highway.
'Capsize' is mainly used for boats and other craft in water, not ordinary road vehicles.
The yacht capsized and sank immediately' means the same thing twice.
The yacht capsized in the storm and later sank.
'Capsize' means turn over on the water; it does not automatically mean go to the bottom.

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Capsize' is used mainly for boats and other craft turning over on water, often suddenly or by accident. 'Overturn' is broader and can describe boats, buses, tables, or even official decisions, so it is less specifically nautical. 'Tip over' often suggests a smaller object or a slower loss of balance, though people may use it casually for small boats. 'Sink' is different because a boat can capsize without going under the water right away. A kayak may capsize in a wave, a truck may overturn on a road, and a boat may sink after it has already turned over.

capsize ↗overturn ↗tip oversink ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • capsize a boat
  • capsize a canoe
  • capsize a raft

Adverbs

  • almost capsize
  • nearly capsize
  • suddenly capsize

Phrases

  • capsize in rough water
  • capsize in a storm

Prepositions

  • capsize in
  • capsize near
  • capsize off the coast

Etymology

First known use

1778

1778, in the meaning defined at transitive sense