usurped

[ yoo-surpt, -zurpt ]

adjective

1. seized by force or without legal right:

   When Edward IV deposed Henry VI, some saw it as a providential restoration of the usurped throne to the lawful heirs of Richard II.

2. deprived of something forcibly or without legal right:

   The peasants and other members of the usurped communities have been forced to work as peons in the land that previously belonged to them.

3. used or employed without authority or right; used wrongfully:

   Exploitation of usurped or counterfeited web content is punishable by criminal law.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of usurp.

Other Words From

• un·u·surped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of usurped¹

usurp ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

They have also turned a loan deal into a permanent stay for Spain goalkeeper David Raya, who usurped Aaron Ramsdale as number one last season.

From BBC

As the trailer shows glimpses of the new King Aegon, Rhaenyra continues, "Now I find myself in an impossible position. The enemy usurped my throne."

From Salon

But over recent decades, ideas around society-level eugenics have been usurped by the more modern cult of self-improvement.

From Salon

A rare start for him after being usurped in the regular league XI.

From BBC

The college says surgical hubs have many pluses including that beds and theatre slots are protected so they will not be usurped by emergency cases, as they are being treated elsewhere.

From BBC

Related Words

• annex
• preempt
• supplant
• wrest