usurp

verb

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\ yu̇-ˈsərp

also -ˈzərp

usurped; usurping; usurps

Definition of usurp

transitive verb

1a : to seize and hold (office, place, functions, powers, etc.) 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

Other Words from usurp Synonyms Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About usurp

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Did you know?

Usurp was borrowed into English in the 14th century from the Anglo-French word usorper, which in turn derives from the Latin verb usurpare, meaning "to take possession of without a legal claim." Usurpare itself was formed by combining usu (a form of usus, meaning "use") and rapere ("to seize"). Other descendants of rapere in English include rapacious ("given to seizing or extorting what is coveted"), rapine ("the seizing and carrying away of things by force"), rapt (the earliest sense of which is "lifted up and carried away"), and ravish ("to seize and take away by violence").

Examples of usurp in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web The board of the Paris Independent School District, which has about 4,000 students, said in a statement Tuesday that the governor's order does not usurp its ability to manage schools. — NBC News, 17 Aug. 2021 There is a fear that Trump is trying to encourage the Republican legislative leaders to usurp the voters of Michigan and in some way deliver the state's electoral votes to him. — Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2020 Is Martinez Fischer, who unsuccessfully challenged Turner for chair, trying to usurp power? — Lauren Mcgaughy, Dallas News, 2 June 2021 Ongoing tensions between the C.D.C. and its parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, have exacerbated these tendencies, insiders say, and the agency is constantly fending off H.H.S.’s efforts to usurp some of its portfolio. — New York Times, 16 June 2021 Loki has tried to usurp Thor and Oden’s power several times and take the throne of Asgard for himself. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 8 June 2021 On July 1, laws in five states will go into effect that will usurp current NCAA regulatons prohibiting NIL compensation for athletes. — Ralph D. Russo, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 June 2021 The letter, signed by Mayor Steve Vaus and council members, argued the ordinance would usurp local control. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2021 Do not usurp those precious processing cycles from the life-or-death matters of driving the vehicle. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'usurp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.