Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

keel-over

Phrasal Verb
/kiːl ˈoʊvər/
Definition
To suddenly fall or collapse, often as a result of being overwhelmed or fainting.
Examples
  • After running the marathon, I thought I would keel over from exhaustion.
  • She was so surprised by the news that she nearly keel-over.
  • The old ship seemed to keel-over in the rough seas.
Meaning
The term ‘keel-over’ describes the action of falling to the ground, whether due to loss of consciousness, exhaustion, or an unexpected event.
Synonyms
  • collapse
  • faint
  • fall
  • topple