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.

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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

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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

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

“Which gives the Erudite and the Allegiant a common goal: to usurp Evelyn.”

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• annex
• preempt
• supplant
• wrest