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
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.
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 • Dec. 30, 2025
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 • Dec. 26, 2025
The novel echoes thinkers like Hannah Arendt in pointing out how true-believing functionaries, the butt of ridicule in “normal” times, can help subsume all reason and decency to usurp a compliant and too-comfortable ruling class.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 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
“Does the request of a ghost overrule the plea of a wife? How can your vow of vengeance usurp our marriage vows?”
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
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.
