unseat

[uhn-seet]

verb (used with object)

1. to dislodge from a seat, especially to throw from a saddle, as a rider; unhorse.

2. to remove from political office by an elective process, by force, or by legal action.

   The corrupt mayor was finally unseated.

unseat

/ ʌnˈsiːt /

verb

1. to throw or displace from a seat, saddle, etc

2. to depose from office or position

Word History and Origins

Origin of unseat¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + seat

Example Sentences

It took a few more years and additional pressures to unseat the ruling party, but the symbolism was stunning and effective.

From Salon

Six candidates have officially entered the field to unseat Robert Luna, with the early challengers slinging barbs, probing the incumbent’s political weaknesses and setting the stage for a heated campaign in the coming months.

From Los Angeles Times

The then-28-year-old activist stunned the political establishment when she unseated the fourth-ranked Democrat in the House to represent a New York district that includes parts of the Bronx and Queens.

From Los Angeles Times

It still seemed unlikely then that he’d unseat Reed, who was brought in specifically to take the job.

From Los Angeles Times

What followed was two decades of American military intervention across the region that led to hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths and the resurgence of the very groups the U.S. once sought to unseat.

From Salon

Related Words

• depose 
• dethrone 
• replace 
• upset