Usurpator: meaning, definitions and examples
👑
usurpator
[juːˈsɜːrpətər ]
Definitions
in politics
A person who takes a position of power or importance illegally or by force.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| usurpator |
Historical discussions or texts about someone who seizes power or a position unlawfully.
|
| usurper |
General discussions about someone who takes power or a position by force or without legal right; similar to 'usurpator' but more commonly used in modern contexts.
|
| impostor |
Any situation where someone falsely claims to be someone else, often with deceitful intentions.
|
| pretender |
Situations where someone claims a title or position, often associated with royal or noble titles, without legitimate grounds.
|
Examples of usage
- The usurpator seized control of the government through a military coup.
- The nation was in turmoil after the usurpator overthrew the legitimate ruler.
in history
A ruler who takes power in an illegal or unorthodox way, often by deposing the previous ruler.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| usurpator |
This is not a standard English word. It seems to be a mistaken repetition of 'usurper.' |
| usurper |
A person who takes a position of power or importance illegally or by force.
|
| impostor |
Someone who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, often for personal gain. Generally used in a broader, less formal context compared to 'usurper.'
|
| pretender |
Someone who claims or aspires to a position they have no legitimate right to, often associated with heirs to a throne in historical or literary contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The usurpator claimed the throne after the death of the king.
- Historians debate the legitimacy of the usurpator's rule.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'usurpare', meaning to seize for use.
- Its roots can be traced back to the concept of unauthorized taking, especially in legal contexts.
- Over the years, the term evolved to describe those who seize power, particularly in political settings.
History
- Throughout history, many leaders have been labeled 'usurpators' for taking the throne from rightful heirs.
- In ancient Rome, various generals became usurpators by leading coups against established emperors.
- Notorious usurpations include the actions of Richard III, who took the English crown under dubious circumstances.
Literature
- Shakespeare often explored themes of usurpation in his plays, portraying characters who seize power through deception.
- In George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', the pigs depict the idea of usurpation as they take control over the other animals.
- Dramatic stories frequently revolve around the conflict between rightful rulers and their usurpators, showcasing moral dilemmas.
Political Science
- Usurpation can destabilize governments, as power shifts from established leaders to those who claim authority unlawfully.
- The idea of a usurpator is often tied to revolution, where individuals or groups overthrow the existing order.
- Modern examples of usurpation often involve military coups or political revolutions, raising questions about legitimacy and governance.
Pop Culture
- Films and television shows frequently depict usurpators as villains, showcasing their plots against protagonists.
- Characters like Scar in 'The Lion King' embody the traits of a usurpator, betraying family to gain power.
- Video games frequently involve themes of usurpation where players must reclaim power from usurpers through quests or battles.
Translations
Translations of the word "usurpator" in other languages:
🇵🇹 usurpador
🇮🇳 हड़पने वाला
🇩🇪 Usurpator
🇮🇩 perebut kekuasaan
🇺🇦 узурпатор
🇵🇱 uzurpator
🇯🇵 簒奪者 (さんだつしゃ)
🇫🇷 usurpateur
🇪🇸 usurpador
🇹🇷 gasıp
🇰🇷 찬탈자 (chantalja)
🇸🇦 مغتصب (مغتصبة)
🇨🇿 uzurpátor
🇸🇰 uzurpátor
🇨🇳 篡位者 (cuàn wèi zhě)
🇸🇮 uzurpator
🇮🇸 ráðamaður
🇰🇿 басып алушы
🇬🇪 უზურპატორი
🇦🇿 qəsbkar
🇲🇽 usurpador