early 14c., "to knock down," from over- + throw, v.. Figurative sense of "to cast down from power, defeat" is attested from late 14c. Related: Overthrown; overthrowing. Earlier in same senses was overwerpen "to overturn (something), overthrow; destroy," from Old English oferweorpan (see warp, v.).

1510s, "act of overthrowing," from over- + throw, n..