usurps; usurped; usurping
formal
: to take and keep (something, such as power) in a forceful or violent way and especially without the right to do so
Some people have accused city council members of trying to usurp the mayor's power.
attempting to usurp the throne
—sometimes used figurativelyHave we allowed their lies to usurp the truth?
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/usurp. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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