usurp

[yoo-surp, -zurp]

verb (used with object)

1. to seize and hold (a position, office, power, etc.) by force or without legal right.

   The pretender tried to usurp the throne.

2. to use without authority or right; employ wrongfully.

   The magazine usurped copyrighted material.

verb (used without object)

1. to commit forcible or illegal seizure of an office, power, etc.; encroach.

usurp

/ juːˈzɜːp /

verb

1. to seize, take over, or appropriate (land, a throne, etc) without authority

Other Word Forms

• usurper noun
• usurpingly adverb
• nonusurping adjective
• nonusurpingly adverb
• self-usurp verb (used without object)
• unusurping adjective
• usurpation noun
• usurpative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of usurp¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Latin ūsūrpāre “to take possession through use,” equivalent to ūsū (ablative of ūsus “act of using, employment” ( use ) + -rp-, reduced form of -rip-, combining form of rapere “to seize” + -āre infinitive ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of usurp¹

C14: from Old French usurper, from Latin ūsūrpāre to take into use, probably from ūsus use + rapere to seize

Example Sentences

Political cartooning is a dying art, usurped by illustrations that trade intelligent ribbing for low-brow button pushing — or, equally as startling, memes that require minimal effort to make.

From Salon

Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, has pulled the trigger on his plot to usurp the power of the purse from Congress.

From Salon

"It is unfortunate that while the family and I are still in mourning, some people have chosen this as an opportune time to wrest control and usurp the family legacy," she wrote.

From BBC

Except, perhaps, if you're one of the guys trying to usurp them.

From BBC

President Vucic accused protesters calling for an election of being part of a foreign plot trying to usurp his country.

From BBC

Related Words

• annex 
• preempt 
• supplant 
• wrest