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Coup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coup

[kuห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.

Synonyms

overthrow, rebellion, revolution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coup

A 'coup' usually refers to a sudden and decisive action in politics, typically one that results in a change of government, often involving military forces or political factions. It usually happens quickly and is often planned in secrecy.

  • The military coup overthrew the government in a matter of hours.
  • He was arrested for plotting a coup against the president.
revolution

A 'revolution' is a fundamental and typically violent change in political power or organizational structures. It often involves mass participation aiming at creating sweeping change across society.

  • The French Revolution completely changed the country's political landscape.
  • The industrial revolution brought about significant technological advancements.
overthrow

An 'overthrow' denotes the removal or defeat of a government or a leader, often by force. It can be used in various contexts, including political, where there is a significant change often involving violence or strong actions.

  • The citizens gathered to plan the overthrow of the dictatorship.
  • The oppressive regime was finally overthrown by the rebels.
rebellion

A 'rebellion' refers to an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. It suggests organized opposition, often by groups or regions that are dissatisfied with the current authority.

  • The rebellion against the king grew stronger each day.
  • There were several outbreaks of rebellion in the northern territories.

Examples of usage

  • The military staged a coup and took control of the country.
  • The coup resulted in chaos and instability in the region.
Context #2 | Noun

business

A highly successful, unexpected stroke, act, or move; a clever action or accomplishment.

Synonyms

achievement, triumph, victory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coup

Typically used in political or military settings to describe a sudden, decisive action that results in a change of power or leadership, often illegal or forceful.

  • The military staged a coup to overthrow the government.
  • The coup was met with international condemnation.
achievement

Generally used to describe the successful completion of a goal or task, highlighting personal or collective effort and success, without any negative connotation.

  • Graduating from university was a significant achievement for her.
  • Winning the science fair was an achievement for the entire team.
victory

Describes the act of winning in a competition, conflict, or battle, and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It often implies a contest or struggle between opposing sides.

  • The candidate's victory in the election was a surprise to many.
  • Their victory in the debate competition was well-deserved.
triumph

Used to emphasize a great victory or success, often after overcoming difficult challenges, and carries a more celebratory and dramatic tone.

  • The team's triumph in the championship was celebrated by fans all over the city.
  • Her triumph over illness is an inspiration to many.

Examples of usage

  • The marketing team's new campaign was a coup for the company.
  • The product launch was a coup, attracting thousands of customers.
Context #3 | Verb

politics

To seize power from a government through force or illegal means.

Synonyms

overthrow, rebel, revolt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coup

A sudden overthrow of a government, usually by a small group within the state. Often used in political or military contexts.

  • The military staged a coup to take control of the country
  • The coup shocked the nation's citizens
overthrow

The act of removing someone from power, usually by force. Can be used in political, social, or historical contexts.

  • The revolution led to the overthrow of the monarchy
  • Citizens celebrated the overthrow of the dictator
revolt

A rebellion or uprising, usually involving many people trying to change or overthrow their government or ruler. Often used in historical and social contexts.

  • The peasants organized a revolt against the oppressive regime
  • The revolt was quickly suppressed by the government
rebel

A person who resists authority, control, or tradition. Can refer to someone involved in an active resistance or just someone who refuses to conform.

  • The rebel forces took control of the northern region
  • She was a rebel, always questioning the rules

Examples of usage

  • The rebels attempted to coup the government but failed.
  • The opposition party plotted to coup the ruling party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the French phrase 'coup d'รฉtat', meaning 'blow of state', which reflects how quickly these events can happen.
  • The first recorded use of 'coup' in this way dates back to the 18th century during the tumultuous periods in French political history.
  • Major historical coups, like the French coup of 1799 led by Napoleon Bonaparte, drastically changed the course of nations.

Recent Events

  • In recent decades, several coups in Latin America have significantly affected political landscapes, such as the Chilean coup in 1973.
  • The Arab Spring saw a series of coups across the Middle East and North Africa, changing governments and sparking protests.
  • Myanmar experienced a military coup in February 2021, marking a major setback for democracy in the country.

Political Theory

  • Political scientists study coups to understand the conditions that lead to successful or failed takeovers.
  • Coup d'รฉtats are often planned by military leaders who believe that they can restore order or change a failing political situation.
  • Successful coups often require significant popular support or a key betrayal of loyalty from those in power.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books about political intrigue often depict coups as dramatic turning points, capturing the tension and unpredictability involved.
  • Historical drama series frequently explore the themes surrounding coups, such as power struggles and moral dilemmas.
  • The term has entered everyday language, used metaphorically to describe sudden changes in any power structure, such as workplace dynamics.

Psychological Impact

  • Coup events can create a sense of fear and insecurity among the population, leading to long-term psychological effects.
  • Witnessing or being affected by a coup can impact civic engagement, with individuals either becoming more politically active or withdrawing from public life.
  • The swift changes and uncertainty of coups can create a collective trauma in societies, influencing their future political stability.

Origin of 'coup'

The word 'coup' originated from French, where it means a 'blow' or 'strike'. It was first used in the English language in the late 18th century to refer to a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power. Over time, the word has evolved to also represent a successful and unexpected achievement or action in various contexts.

See also: coupon, recoup.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,840 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.