usurp

[yoo-surp]

usurp Definition

• 1. to take someone's position or power by force or without the right to do so
• 2. to use something without the right to do so

Using usurp: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "usurp" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The general was accused of trying to usurp the throne.

• Example

  The new CEO has usurped all the power from the board of directors.

• Example

  He tried to usurp my authority by making decisions without consulting me.

usurp Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for usurp

• seize
• commandeer
• appropriate
• annex
• take over

Antonyms for usurp

• relinquish
• surrender
• yield

Idioms Using usurp

• usurp the throne

  to take control of a kingdom or country by force and become its ruler

  Example

  The prince plotted to usurp the throne from his father.

• usurp someone's rights

  to take away someone's legal or moral rights without the right to do so

  Example

  The government was accused of trying to usurp the rights of its citizens.

• usurp someone's place in line

  to take someone's turn in a queue without the right to do so

  Example

  The man tried to usurp someone's place in line at the supermarket.

Phrases with usurp

• usurp power

  to take control of a position of power without the right to do so

  Example

  The dictator usurped power in a military coup.

• usurp authority

  to take control of a position of authority without the right to do so

  Example

  The manager accused his assistant of trying to usurp his authority.

• usurp someone's place

  to take someone's position without the right to do so

  Example

  The new employee tried to usurp the position of the senior staff member.

Origins of usurp

from Old French 'usurper', from Latin 'usurpare', from 'usus' (use) + 'rapere' (seize)

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Summary: usurp in Brief

The verb 'usurp' [yoo-surp] means to take someone's position or power by force or without the right to do so, or to use something without the right to do so. It can refer to taking control of a position of power or authority, as in 'The new CEO has usurped all the power from the board of directors,' or taking someone's place, as in 'The new employee tried to usurp the position of the senior staff member.' 'Usurp' can also be used in idioms like 'usurp the throne,' meaning to take control of a kingdom or country by force and become its ruler.