coup Definition
a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.
Using coup: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "coup" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The military staged a coup and overthrew the government.
Example
The rebels attempted a coup but failed.
Example
The president was ousted in a bloodless coup.
Example
The coup resulted in a change of leadership.
coup Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for coup
Idioms Using coup
Example
The team pulled off a coup by winning the championship against all odds.
Example
The promotion was a coup for her career.
Example
Winning the lottery was a coup of fortune for him.
Phrases with coup
coup d'état
a sudden and decisive action in politics, especially one resulting in a change of government illegally or by force
Example
The country's history is marked by several coups d'état.
coup de grâce
a final blow or shot given to kill a wounded person or animal
Example
The hunter gave the deer a coup de grâce to end its suffering.
a successful attempt to overthrow a government that has itself been involved in a coup
Example
The countercoup led to the restoration of democracy.
Origins of coup
from French 'coup', meaning 'blow' or 'strike'
Summary: coup in Brief
The term 'coup' [kuː] refers to a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government. It can be exemplified by 'The military staged a coup and overthrew the government.' 'Coup' extends into phrases like 'coup d'état,' and idioms like 'pull off a coup,' denoting significant achievements or successes.
