MEANING
1. To turn something upside down or abruptly overturn an established arrangement or expectation.
2. To overturn an established order, expectation, or way of life suddenly.
Use it for
Show a sudden reversal of physical order or expectation.Find a verb for an abrupt reversal that overturns an object, routine, belief, or plan.
Words that belong together
- upend a cart
- upend a box
- upend a chair
- upend expectations
- upend a routine
- upend someone’s life
On the page
The gust upended the market stall and sent apples rolling downhill.
The verdict upended the town’s long-held account of the fire.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- upend
- Past tense
- upended
- Past participle
- upended
- Present participle
- upending
Full tense & aspect guide
- Present
- upend
- Present continuous
- am/is/are upending
- Present perfect
- have/has upended
- Present perfect continuous
- have/has been upending
- Past
- upended
- Past continuous
- was/were upending
- Past perfect
- had upended
- Past perfect continuous
- had been upending
- Future
- will upend
- Future continuous
- will be upending
- Future perfect
- will have upended
- Future perfect continuous
- will have been upending
Choose the auxiliary that agrees with your subject. These are constructions of one word, not separate entries.
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Usage notes
For a physical object, it means turn it over; figuratively, it implies abrupt disruption rather than any small change. Sense 2: The figurative sense suggests a major reversal, not a minor adjustment.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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