Usurpist: meaning, definitions and examples

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usurpist

 

[ juˈsɜːpɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

crime

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

Synonyms

impostor, intruder, usurper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
usurpist

This word is rarely used and often can be confusing. It generally refers to someone who takes power or a position unlawfully or by force.

  • The usurpist sought to take over the throne, disregarding the rightful heir.
usurper

Use this word when describing someone who takes a position of power or importance illegally or by force. It has a historical and somewhat formal connotation.

  • The usurper took over the kingdom, imprisoning the royal family.
  • He was seen as a usurper by the loyalists of the overthrown government.
intruder

This word is best used to describe someone who enters a place without permission, often with the intention to cause harm or steal.

  • She heard a noise downstairs and realized there might be an intruder in the house.
  • The security system was activated when an intruder tried to break in.
impostor

Use this word when referring to someone who deceives others by pretending to be someone else. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • The impostor posed as a famous actor to gain access to the exclusive party.
  • People were shocked to learn that the so-called expert was actually an impostor.

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of being a usurpist who illegally seized control of the company.
  • The usurpist plotted to overthrow the government and take over as the new leader.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

In ancient Rome, a person who seized power in violation of the constitution.

Synonyms

insurgent, rebel, usurper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
usurpist

This word is used to describe someone who takes power or authority by force or without right. It can be used in situations involving political or organizational takeovers. The term is often associated with negative connotations.

  • The usurpist took control of the company, ousting the original founders.
  • In history, there have been many usurpists who claimed thrones through deceit and force.
usurper

Similar to 'usurpist,' the word 'usurper' describes someone who takes a position of power illegally or by force. It is often used in historical, political, or organizational contexts and carries a negative connotation.

  • The rightful king was overthrown by a usurper.
  • Corporate politics sometimes involves usurpers trying to take over management roles.
rebel

This term is used for someone who resists authority, control, or tradition. It can apply to both political and social contexts and doesn't inherently carry a negative connotation.

  • During the war, many rebels fought for their independence.
  • Teenagers often go through a phase where they rebel against their parents' rules.
insurgent

This word refers to a person or group that rises in active revolt against an established government or authority. It is often used in military or political contexts to describe those who rebel against their own country.

  • The insurgents took control of the capital after weeks of fighting.
  • Civil unrest led to the formation of several insurgent groups.

Examples of usage

  • The history books remember him as a notorious usurpist who declared himself emperor against the Senate's will.
  • The Roman Senate feared the rise of another usurpist who would challenge their authority.

Translations

Translations of the word "usurpist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 usurpador

🇮🇳 हथियानेवाला

🇩🇪 Usurpator

🇮🇩 perampas

🇺🇦 узурпатор

🇵🇱 uzurpator

🇯🇵 簒奪者 (sandard者)

🇫🇷 usurpateur

🇪🇸 usurpador

🇹🇷 gasıp

🇰🇷 찬탈자 (chantalja)

🇸🇦 مغتصب (mughtasib)

🇨🇿 uzurpátor

🇸🇰 uzurpátor

🇨🇳 篡位者 (cuànwèizhě)

🇸🇮 uzurpator

🇮🇸 ráðabrjótur

🇰🇿 озбыр

🇬🇪 უზურპატორი

🇦🇿 qəsbkar

🇲🇽 usurpador

Etymology

The word 'usurpist' originates from the Latin word 'usurpare', meaning 'to seize or take by force'. In medieval times, usurpists were often associated with power struggles and political instability. The term gained prominence during the Roman Empire, where usurpists were seen as threats to the established order. Over time, the concept of usurpation has evolved to encompass both political and non-political contexts, referring to any act of seizing authority or property without legal right.

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