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Usurped: meaning, definitions and examples

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usurped

 

[ juːˈzɜːrpt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

power, authority

Usurped means to take a position of power or importance illegally or by force. It often implies that the person taking the position has done so without the right or consent of the previous holder.

Synonyms

displaced, overthrew, seized

Examples of usage

  • She usurped the throne from her brother.
  • The rebels usurped control of the government.
  • He felt that his ideas were usurped by a colleague.
  • The dictator usurped authority by manipulating the electoral process.

Translations

Translations of the word "usurped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 usurpado

🇮🇳 अधिग्रहण किया हुआ

🇩🇪 usurpiert

🇮🇩 dirampas

🇺🇦 узурпований

🇵🇱 uzurpowany

🇯🇵 押収された

🇫🇷 usurpé

🇪🇸 usurpado

🇹🇷 zaptedilmiş

🇰🇷 탈취된

🇸🇦 مغتصب

🇨🇿 uzurpovaný

🇸🇰 uzurpcovaný

🇨🇳 被篡夺的

🇸🇮 uzurpirano

🇮🇸 okkur

🇰🇿 зәбірленген

🇬🇪 უზურპირებული

🇦🇿 uzurpasiya edilmiş

🇲🇽 usurpado

Word origin

The term 'usurp' originates from the Latin word 'usurpare', which means to seize for use. The word passed to Old French before entering the English language in the late 14th century. Initially, it carried the meaning of taking possession of something or assuming a role or power without legal right. Over time, 'usurp' has maintained this connotation of illegitimate power acquisition, especially in political contexts. The use of the term intensified during periods of significant political upheaval and revolution, where individuals or groups would usurp power from established authorities. Today, 'usurped' is commonly used in both historical and contemporary contexts to describe acts of power-taking that defy legal or ethical norms.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,573, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.