1For something (a boat, vehicle, etc.) to flip over, capsize, or be turned upside down — losing its original position. Often used in phrases like 船が覆る (the boat capsizes).
強い風にあおられて、小舟が覆った。
The small boat was buffeted by a strong wind and capsized.
ボートが波に飲まれて覆った。
The boat was swallowed by the waves and capsized.
山道でトラックが覆る事故があった。
There was an accident in which a truck overturned on a mountain road.
机にぶつかって花瓶が覆り、水がこぼれた。
I bumped into the desk, the vase tipped over, and the water spilled out.
2For a decision, court ruling, theory, or reputation to be overturned, reversed, or discredited. Used in phrases like 判決が覆る (the verdict is overturned) or 通説が覆る (the accepted theory is overturned).
高裁の判決が覆り、無罪となった。
The appellate court's decision was overturned, and he was acquitted.
長年信じられてきた説が、新しい研究によって覆った。
A theory that had been believed for years was overturned by new research.
その証拠が出てきて、議論の根拠が覆った。
With that evidence emerging, the basis of the argument was discredited.