usurp

American  

[yoo-surp, -zurp] / yuˈsɜrp, -ˈzɜrp /

verb (used with object)

1. to seize and hold (a position, office, power, etc.) by force or without legal right.

   The pretender tried to usurp the throne.

2. to use without authority or right; employ wrongfully.

   The magazine usurped copyrighted material.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to commit forcible or illegal seizure of an office, power, etc.; encroach.

usurp British  

/ juːˈzɜːp /

verb

1. to seize, take over, or appropriate (land, a throne, etc) without authority

---

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

Example Sentences

Tuesday's latest reverse meant Celtic missed the chance to usurp Hearts at the top of the table.

From Barron's

Nancy suffered a fifth defeat in seven games since taking charge of the Scottish champions as Celtic missed the chance to usurp Hearts at the top of the table.

From Barron's

He drags Arthur into a war against Lancelot that fatally weakens the kingdom and allows Mordred to usurp the throne.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some advocates feared it would usurp cities’ zoning authority.

From The Wall Street Journal

The later stages of the show highlight a few transitional designers whose work either shaped or anticipated the Midcentury Modernist movement that usurped Art Deco.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• annex
• preempt
• supplant
• wrest