The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

capsize

IPA:

Dictionary definition of capsize

To overturn, typically in reference to a boat or other watercraft.
"The swirling white water caused the canoe to capsize."

Detailed meaning of capsize

When a boat or ship capsizes, it overturns and ends up floating upside down in the water. This can occur due to a number of factors, such as strong winds, rough waves, or an imbalance in weight distribution on the vessel. Capsizing can be a dangerous and even life-threatening situation, as passengers may become trapped underneath the overturned vessel or be tossed into the water without proper safety gear. In some cases, capsizing can also lead to the loss of the vessel and its cargo. To avoid capsizing, it is important for boaters and sailors to be aware of weather and water conditions, to distribute weight evenly on board, and to properly maintain and operate their vessels. Overall, the verb "capsize" refers to the overturning of a boat or other watercraft due to a variety of factors, and it is important to take precautions to avoid this potentially dangerous situation.

Example sentences containing capsize

1. The boat began to capsize in the strong winds.
2. I fear the canoe will capsize if we go any further.
3. The overloaded cargo caused the ship to capsize.
4. The sudden wave made the fishing boat capsize.
5. The children's excitement almost caused the kayak to capsize.
6. The stormy weather can easily capsize small vessels.

History and etymology of capsize

The verb 'capsize' has an etymology that can be traced back to the French language. It is derived from the French word 'cap à size,' where 'cap' means 'head' and 'size' means 'upward.' The combination 'cap à size' essentially meant 'head upward,' implying the upward movement of a boat's head when it is overturned. Over time, this phrase was shortened to 'capsize,' and it came to specifically describe the act of overturning, especially in reference to boats or other watercraft. The etymology of 'capsize' vividly captures the image of a vessel's head rising as it turns over, highlighting the often dramatic and perilous nature of such events on the water.

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Further usage examples of capsize

1. The weight of the passengers made the dinghy capsize.
2. We had to swim to shore when the sailboat started to capsize.
3. The ship's instability caused it to capsize during the storm.
4. The heavy load on the barge caused it to capsize in the canal.
5. The inexperienced rowers managed to capsize the racing shell.
6. The strong currents made the raft capsize downstream.
7. The sudden shift in weight made the kayak capsize.
8. The overloaded pontoon boat began to capsize under the weight.
9. The turbulent waters caused the canoe to capsize.
10. The storm caused the small boat to capsize.
11. The canoe capsized when they hit a rock.
12. Strong winds threatened to capsize our sailboat.
13. The fishing boat nearly capsized in the rough sea.
14. The kayak capsized, but we quickly righted it.
15. A sudden wave could easily capsize the dinghy.
16. The rowing team struggled to prevent a capsizing.
17. The ship's instability made it prone to capsize.
18. We had to rescue the passengers when their boat capsized.
19. The raft capsized in the swift-moving river.