unseat

[ uhn-seet ]

verb (used with object)

1. to dislodge from a seat, especially to throw from a saddle, as a rider; unhorse.
2. to remove from political office by an elective process, by force, or by legal action:

   The corrupt mayor was finally unseated.

unseat

/ ʌnˈsiːt /

verb

1. to throw or displace from a seat, saddle, etc
2. to depose from office or position

Word History and Origins

Origin of unseat¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + seat

Example Sentences

The firebrand Florida politician is perhaps best known for spearheading the effort to unseat then-Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy last year.

From BBC

In a district that sprawls from the Inland Empire into the Coachella Valley, Democratic challenger Will Rollins is hoping to unseat longtime GOP Rep. Ken Calvert.

From Los Angeles Times

Democrats also held on in the 18th District, where Rep. Pat Ryan won re-election, and appear on track to flip the Fourth District, where Democrat Laura Gillen is poised to unseat Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, though the race there still has not been called.

From Salon

In a district that sprawls from the Inland Empire into the Coachella Valley, Democratic challenger Will Rollins is hoping to unseat longtime GOP Rep. Ken Calvert.

From Los Angeles Times

Democrat Adam Gray’s investment in rural Atwater is under scrutiny as he fights to unseat Republican Rep. John Duarte in California’s 13th Congressional District.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• depose
• dethrone
• replace
• upset