usurp
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to seize and hold (a position, office, power, etc.) by force or without legal right.
The pretender tried to usurp the throne.
-
to use without authority or right; employ wrongfully.
The magazine usurped copyrighted material.
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
- nonusurping adjective
- nonusurpingly adverb
- self-usurp verb (used without object)
- unusurping adjective
- usurpation noun
- usurpative adjective
- usurper noun
- usurpingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of usurp
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Latin ūsūrpāre “to take possession through use,” equivalent to ūsū (ablative of ūsus “act of using, employment” ( use ) + -rp-, reduced form of -rip-, combining form of rapere “to seize” + -āre infinitive ending
Explanation
If you take over your neighbor's backyard and claim his in-ground swimming pool as your own, you might seize control of, or usurp his yard, but he'll probably call the cops on you. Leaders who usurp power don't ask for permission to take control of their country. They seize power, often with the help of a large army of followers. A usurper doesn't have to be human. A brand-new radio station can usurp the most popular station in town by playing a better mix of music.
Vocabulary lists containing usurp
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Kingsbury, the Olympic champion from Pyeongchang 2018, produced a storming run to usurp the high-flying Horishima and take top spot with just Cooper to go.
From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026
This appears to be a fraud attempt to usurp your authority as CEO.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025
Oh please, I said, he has zero history of fearing to usurp judicial authority.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025
Over the decades, technology in the studio has made it possible for the vocally challenged to usurp craftsmanship and talent.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025
“Indeed. And now they’ve turned against him by threatening to usurp his dynasty. He’ll fight—you can count on it.”
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
