usurp
Pronounced:
/jʊˈsɚp, Brit jʊˈzə:p/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
usurps; usurp·ing; usurpedMeaning:
[+ obj] formal : to take and keep (something, such as power) in a forceful or violent way and especially without the right to do so ▪ Some people have accused city council members of trying to usurp the mayor's power. ▪ attempting to usurp the throne —sometimes used figuratively ▪ Have we allowed their lies to usurp the truth?
—usur·pa·tion /ˌju:sɚˈpeɪʃən, Brit ˌju:zə:ˈpeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the usurpation of power/authority
/ˌju:sɚˈpeɪʃən, Brit ˌju:zə:ˈpeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the usurpation of power/authority—usurp·er /jʊˈsɚpɚ, Brit jʊˈzə:pə/ noun plural usurp·ers [count]
/jʊˈsɚpɚ, Brit jʊˈzə:pə/ noun plural usurp·ers [count]