Main Entry:

usurp

Pronunciation:

\yu̇-ˈsərp also -ˈzərp\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 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