Usurper: meaning, definitions and examples

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usurper

 

[ juˈzɜːrpər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

ruler

A person who takes a position of power or importance illegally or by force.

Synonyms

impostor, pretender, usurpist

Examples of usage

  • He was declared a usurper after overthrowing the legitimate king.
  • The usurper claimed the throne through deceit and violence.
Context #2 | Noun

history

A ruler who seizes power without legal right.

Synonyms

usurpation, usurpator

Examples of usage

  • The usurper was eventually overthrown by the rightful heir.
  • The kingdom suffered under the tyranny of the usurper.

Translations

Translations of the word "usurper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 usurpador

🇮🇳 हड़पने वाला

🇩🇪 Usurpator

🇮🇩 perampas kekuasaan

🇺🇦 узурпатор

🇵🇱 uzurpator

🇯🇵 簒奪者 (さんだつしゃ)

🇫🇷 usurpateur

🇪🇸 usurpador

🇹🇷 gasıp

🇰🇷 찬탈자 (chantalja)

🇸🇦 مغتصب السلطة

🇨🇿 uzurpátor

🇸🇰 uzurpátor

🇨🇳 篡位者 (cuàn wèi zhě)

🇸🇮 uzurpator

🇮🇸 rændarmaður

🇰🇿 заңсыз билік басып алушы

🇬🇪 უზურპატორი

🇦🇿 uzurpator

🇲🇽 usurpador

Etymology

The word 'usurper' comes from the Latin word 'usurpare', which means 'to seize for use, to make use of fraudulently'. The concept of usurpation has been present throughout history, where individuals have sought to gain power through illegitimate means. Usurpers have often been central figures in power struggles and political upheavals, leading to the downfall of legitimate rulers and the disruption of established systems of governance.

See also: usurp, usurpation, usurpator, usurping, usurpist.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,549, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.