usurp (C2)

verb

Pronunciation: /juːˈzɜːrp/

Definition

Take a position of power or importance illegally or by force.

Examples

• The vice president attempted to usurp the president's authority during the crisis.

• Rebels sought to usurp control of the government after the election results were disputed.

• He felt his colleague was trying to usurp his role as the project lead.

How to Use usurp

usurp [position/power] (collocation)

To take control of a specific office or role. — "The rival faction tried to usurp the leadership position."

usurp [someone's] [role] (collocation)

To take over a role belonging to another person. — "He had no right to usurp her role as the primary spokesperson."

Synonyms of usurp

Words with a similar meaning to usurp:

• seize
• take over
• appropriate
• supplant

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