Topple/ˈtɑːpl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action Used when describing an action that physically makes something fall. The earthquake toppled buildings across the city. Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use Can be used metaphorically to describe the falling of intangible things. The scandal toppled his reputation almost instantly. Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitive Context changes meaning; can refer to slow pushing or sudden force. She nudged the vase until it toppled from the shelf.