coup d'état

[ koo dey-tah; French koo dey-ta ]

noun

, plural coups d'é·tat [koo dey-, tahz, koo dey-, ta].

1. a sudden and decisive action in politics, especially one resulting in a change of government illegally or by force.

   Synonyms: uprising, revolution, rebellion, overthrow

coup d'état

/ ku deta; ˈkuː deɪˈtɑː /

noun

1. a sudden violent or illegal seizure of government

coup d'état

1. A quick and decisive seizure of governmental power by a strong military or political group. In contrast to a revolution, a coup d'état, or coup , does not involve a mass uprising. Rather, in the typical coup, a small group of politicians or generals arrests the incumbent leaders, seizes the national radio and television services, and proclaims itself in power. Coup d'état is French for “stroke of the state” or “blow to the government.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup d'état¹

1640–50; < French: literally, stroke concerning the state

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup d'état¹

French, literally: stroke of state

Example Sentences

How, then, did Putin manage what some are calling an “online coup d'état?”

From The Daily Beast

One month later, Urquiza, having won over the army by a sudden coup d'état, seized the reins of government as dictator.

From Project Gutenberg

Outside of France, Louis Napoleon's second coup d'état created little stir.

From Project Gutenberg

After the coup d'état, however, the government of Louis Napoleon prohibited the continuance of his readings.

From Project Gutenberg

The diplomatic contest so far proved just the thing to ripen conditions for the meditated Bond coup d'état.

From Project Gutenberg

They saw in Republicanism only anarchy, while the Emperor's coup d'état inspired them with fear of his government.

From Project Gutenberg