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

Derived Forms

• ˌusurˈpation, noun
• uˈsurper, noun
• uˈsurpative, adjective

Other Words From

• u·surp·er noun
• u·surp·ing·ly adverb
• non·u·surp·ing adjective
• non·u·surp·ing·ly adverb
• self-u·surp verb (used without object)
• un·u·surp·ing 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

Sharing those details marked her “unilateral decision to usurp” the Mississippi court’s authority, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

They are the black people usurping the “Black jobs”.

From Salon

“It’s hard to move the ball against those guys,” said Heinicke, who learned the playbook in three weeks to usurp incumbent backup Easton Stick after joining the team in a post-training camp trade.

From Los Angeles Times

White says the UFC faced a number of logistical issues in preparing for the event, but the biggest challenge was usurping the Sphere.

From BBC

But in terms of perception, it was huge; Staveley remains incredibly popular with fans, as the instigator in usurping the ever-unpopular Ashley, and she was a huge emotional support to the players and, crucially, Howe.

From BBC

Related Words

• annex
• preempt
• supplant
• wrest