usurp

[yoo-surp, -zurp]

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

/ juːˈzɜːp /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• usurper noun
• usurpingly adverb
• nonusurping adjective
• nonusurpingly adverb
• self-usurp verb (used without object)
• unusurping adjective
• usurpation noun
• usurpative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of usurp¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of usurp¹

C14: from Old French usurper, from Latin ūsūrpāre to take into use, probably from ūsus use + rapere to seize

Example Sentences

Oh please, I said, he has zero history of fearing to usurp judicial authority.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Over the decades, technology in the studio has made it possible for the vocally challenged to usurp craftsmanship and talent.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the 1980s, Cheney was the ranking Republican on the committee investigating the Iran-Contra scandal, which was essentially about the president usurping the will of Congress to pursue his own policy goals.

Read more on Salon

“Activist Treasury issuance” practices, they wrote, were “dynamically managing financial conditions and through them, the economy, usurping core functions of the Federal Reserve.”

Read more on Barron's

“Activist Treasury issuance” practices, they wrote, were “dynamically managing financial conditions and through them, the economy, usurping core functions of the Federal Reserve.”

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• annex 
• preempt 
• supplant 
• wrest