Meaning of usurp in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /juˈsərp/

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    UK accent

  1. Verb

    usurp

    Etymology

    Middle English (in the sense ‘appropriate a right wrongfully’): from Old French usurper, from Latin usurpare‘seize for use’

    Definitions

    1. seize and take control without authority and possibly with force

    Examples

    • « take as one's right or possession »
    • « He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town »
    • « he usurped my rights »
    • « She seized control of the throne after her husband died »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. take the place of

    Examples

    • « gloom had usurped mirth at the party after the news of the terorist act broke »

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