Couped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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couped

[kuหpt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

informal use

The term 'couped' is often used informally to describe a situation where someone is confined or trapped. It can refer to being held captive in a tight or uncomfortable place or to feeling overwhelmed by circumstances.

Synonyms

confined, stuck, trapped.

Examples of usage

  • I felt completely couped in that small room.
  • After working late every night, I was couped by my commitments.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • One of the most famous examples is the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, which overthrew the provisional government.
  • In 1953, a coup in Iran, supported by the U.S. and U.K., removed a democratically elected prime minister and reinstated the Shah.
  • The 2013 coup in Egypt resulted in the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi after mass protests against his rule.

Politics

  • A coup can often be led by military forces, politicians, or a combination of both, typically when there is political unrest.
  • Coup attempts are frequently characterized by rapid actions, surprising many in their effectiveness or brutality.
  • After a successful coup, new leaders might adopt tactics to maintain control, including censorship or repression of protests.

Pop Culture

  • Coup-themed films like 'The Manchurian Candidate' and various political thrillers depict intrigues surrounding power grabs.
  • In video games, players might strategize coups as part of building empires or factions, reflecting real-world tensions.
  • Books such as 'The Coup' by John Updike explore the idea of political upheaval and its impact on society.

International Relations

  • International reaction to coups can vary widely, from military intervention to sanctions, depending on political interests.
  • Some nations experience a cycle of coups, destabilizing regions and affecting diplomatic relationships.
  • The concept of sovereignty is tested during coups, as other countries may choose to recognize or condemn the new authorities controlling a state.

Origin of 'couped'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French term 'coup d'รฉtat', meaning 'blow of the state'.
  • It was first used in the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting the rise of political upheaval in Europe.
  • The term 'coup' literally conveys the idea of a sudden strike or blow.

The word 'couped' originates from the verb 'to coup,' which is a variant of 'coup,' derived from Middle French 'coup,' meaning 'to strike' or 'to blow.' This term traces back to Latin 'culpa,' meaning 'guilt' or 'blame,' referring to the consequences of a sudden, decisive action. In the context of 'couped,' it reflects a sense of being struck or caught in a difficult situation, emphasizing confinement and the feeling of being overwhelmed. While not as commonly used as its root forms, 'couped' has found a niche in slang, particularly among younger speakers to describe being stuck or trapped both physically or metaphorically.