Meaning of usurp in English

1. Pronunciation

   /juˈsərp/

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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 »
2. 2. take the place of

   Examples

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