Usurp

Pronunciation: /juˈzɝp/

Definitions of usurp

verb to seize and hold (a position, power, etc.) by force or without legal right

Example Sentences

A1 The evil king tried to usurp the throne from the rightful heir.

A2 The ambitious politician plotted to usurp power from the current leader.

B1 The rebel group attempted to usurp control of the city from the government.

B2 The rival company sought to usurp market share from the leading competitor.

C1 The military coup was successful in usurping the government and taking control.

C2 The dictator's regime was known for its brutal tactics to usurp authority and suppress dissent.

Examples of usurp in a Sentence

formal The dictator attempted to usurp power from the rightful government.

informal The new employee tried to usurp my position by spreading false rumors.

slang I heard that Jenny is trying to usurp Sarah's role as team leader.

figurative The rising star in the music industry is poised to usurp the current queen of pop.

Grammatical Forms of usurp

• past tense: usurped
• plural: usurp
• comparative: more usurping
• superlative: most usurping
• present tense: usurp
• future tense: will usurp
• perfect tense: have usurped
• continuous tense: is usurping
• singular: usurper
• positive degree: usurping
• infinitive: usurp
• gerund: usurping
• participle: usurping

Origin and Evolution of usurp

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'usurp' originated from the Latin word 'usurpare', meaning to seize or take possession of without legal right.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'usurp' has retained its original meaning of seizing power or authority without legal right, but has also come to be used in a broader sense to describe taking something by force or without permission.