chavirer

Chavirer is a French verb that translates to "to capsize" or "to tip over" in English. It is most commonly used to describe the act of a boat or ship losing its stability and overturning in the water. This can happen due to various factors, including rough seas, strong winds, improper loading, or collision with another object. The term can also be applied to other objects that lose their balance and fall over, such as a canoe, a small raft, or even a cup of liquid.

Beyond its literal meaning, "chavirer" can also be used figuratively to describe a dramatic change or upheaval. For example, a person's life might be said to have "chaviré" if they experience a sudden and profound loss or a radical shift in their circumstances. Similarly, a situation or event could "chavirer" if it takes an unexpected and dramatic turn, leading to a complete overturning of the expected outcome. This figurative usage emphasizes the sense of suddenness and the complete loss of control or stability. The verb implies a sudden, often irreversible, change from a stable state to an unstable or overturned one.