verb
usurp
yoo-ZURP
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
Word Forms
usurped past tense, usurps singular
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The general _____ the throne after the king died.
Etymology
From Old French usurper, from Latin usurpare ("to make use of, seize for use").