usurp

usurp

verb \yu̇-ˈsərp also -ˈzərp\

Definition of USURP

transitive verb

1

a : to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right <usurp a throne> b : to take or make use of without right <usurped the rights to her life story>

2

: to take the place of by or as if by force : supplant <must not let stock responses based on inherited prejudice usurp careful judgment>

intransitive verb

: to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully

— usur·pa·tion \ˌyü-sər-ˈpā-shən also ˌyü-zər-\ noun

— usurp·er \yu̇-ˈsər-pər also -ˈzər-\ noun

Examples of USURP

1. Some people have accused city council members of trying to usurp the mayor's power.
2. attempting to usurp the throne

Origin of USURP

Middle English, from Anglo-French usorper, from Latin usurpare to take possession of without legal claim, from usu (abl. of usus use) + rapere to seize — more at rapid

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to USURP

Synonyms: arrogate, commandeer, convert, expropriate, pirate, preempt, press, seize, take over, appropriate

Related Words: annex, attach, claim, confiscate, impound, repossess, sequester; assume, collar, grab, grasp, snatch, steal, wrench, wrest; despoil, loot, pillage; encroach, infringe, invade, occupy, preoccupy, trespass; embezzle, misapply, misappropriate, misuse, peculate

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Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with USURP

Antwerp