verb
usurp
yoo-ZURP
Usurp (verb) means to seize power, a position, or a right that belongs to someone else, without any legal right to it. Example: “The general usurped the throne after the king died.”
verb
1
To seize power, a position, or a right that belongs to someone else, without any legal right to it.
"The general usurped the throne after the king died."
"His rival tried to usurp his role as team leader."
How to use usurp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take someone else's power or position by force or without the right to do so.
Common mistake
Usurp always implies wrongdoing — you usurp power, you don't just "take over" a job fairly.
Common pairings
usurp the throne
usurp power
usurp authority
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like usurp.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- usurps
- Past tense
- usurped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The general _____ the throne after the king died.
Etymology
From Old French usurper, from Latin usurpare ("to make use of, seize for use").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “usurp” mean?
The word “usurp” means to seize power, a position, or a right that belongs to someone else, without any legal right to it. In plain terms, to take someone else's power or position by force or without the right to do so.
How do you pronounce “usurp”?
“Usurp” is pronounced yoo-ZURP (/juˈsɝp/ in IPA).
How do you use “usurp” in a sentence?
Here is “usurp” used in a sentence: “The general usurped the throne after the king died.”
What part of speech is “usurp”?
“Usurp” is a verb.
Where does the word “usurp” come from?
The word “usurp” comes from Latin. From Old French usurper, from Latin usurpare ("to make use of, seize for use").
