coopt

or co-opt

[ koh-opt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to elect into a body by the votes of the existing members.
2. to assimilate, take, or win over into a larger or established group:

   The fledgling Labor party was coopted by the Socialist party.

3. to appropriate as one's own; preempt:

   The dissidents have coopted the title of her novel for their slogan.

coopt

/ kəʊˈɒpt /

verb

1. to add (someone) to a committee, board, etc, by the agreement of the existing members
2. to appoint summarily; commandeer

Derived Forms

• coˈoption, noun
• coˈoptative, adjective

Other Words From

• co·op·ta·tion co-op·ta·tion [koh-op-, tey, -sh, uh, n], co·op·tion co-op·tion [koh-, op, -sh, uh, n], noun
• co·op·ta·tive co-op·ta·tive [koh-, op, -t, uh, -tiv], co·op·tive co-op·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coopt¹

From the Latin word cooptāre, dating back to 1645–55. See co-, opt

Word History and Origins

Origin of coopt¹

C17: from Latin cooptāre to elect, from optāre to choose

Example Sentences

There's still time for conservatives to coopt this issue as part of a broader agenda for promoting family values.

From The Daily Beast