Capsize Meaning in English

word

US

ˈkæpˌsaɪz

KAP-syz

UK

kˈæpsaɪz

KAP-syz

Definition

To turn over in the water so that the bottom is on top, usually referring to boats or ships.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly for boats, ships, kayaks, or canoes — not for cars. Typically appears in news, safety contexts, or water sports. Common collocations: 'the boat capsized', 'capsize in rough water'. Not used figuratively.

• Spanish: volcar - zozobrar
• Portuguese (BR): virar - capotar (barco)
• Portuguese (PT): virar - capotar (barco)
• Chinese (Simplified): 翻覆 - 倒扣 (指船隻)
• Chinese (Traditional): 翻覆 - 翻船
• Hindi: उलटना (नाव के लिए) - पलटना
• Arabic: ينقلب (قارب) - ينكفئ
• Bengali: উল্টে যাওয়া
• Russian: опрокидываться
• Japanese: 転覆する
• Vietnamese: lật úp
• Korean: 전복되다
• Turkish: alabora olmak
• Urdu: الٹ جانا (کشتی)
• Indonesian: terbalik

Example Sentences

The little boat capsized in the storm.

basic

Be careful—the canoe might capsize if you stand up.

basic

Did the yacht capsize during the race?

basic

Everyone panicked as the raft started to capsize.

natural

Luckily, nobody got hurt when the fishing boat capsized.

natural

How did you manage to not capsize in those big waves?

natural