Usurp

Saturday, May 31, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Usurp?

verb
To take a position of power or importance illegally or by force.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /juːˈsɝːp/
UK pronunciation: /juːˈzɜːp/
Slow pronunciation: yoo-SURP

Meaning Explained

Usurp refers to the act of seizing authority or privilege without legal right — often through stealth, coercion, or betrayal — and is frequently used in political, literary, or historical contexts.

Why This Word?

Chosen to reflect how power can shift not just by law or leadership, but by ambition and overreach — a theme that echoes through centuries.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • The general attempted to usurp power after the president was incapacitated.
  • Legends often tell of traitors who usurp thrones through deceit.
  • They accused the board of trying to usurp shareholder rights.

Word Origins

Latin usurpare meaning “to seize for use”

Originally neutral (to use or employ), but came to imply wrongful or illegitimate use of authority.

First appearance in English: 13th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: usurpation

    The usurpation of royal authority led to civil war.

  • Noun: usurper

    The rightful king was betrayed by a cunning usurper.

  • Verb: seize

    They seized the city and declared a new regime.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: usurpar
  • French: usurper
  • German: usurpieren
  • Italian: usurpare
  • Portuguese: usurpar

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Seize

“Seize” is neutral; “usurp” implies illegitimacy and force.

Overthrow

“Overthrow” focuses on removing power; “usurp” focuses on illegitimately taking it.

Appropriate

“Appropriate” can be subtle or bureaucratic; “usurp” is bolder and more aggressive.

Fun Facts

  • The word “usurp” appears in the U.S. Constitution debates as a fear about executive overreach.
  • “Usurper” is a classic term in fantasy fiction to describe illegitimate rulers.

Cultural Usage

  • In Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*, Claudius usurps the Danish throne by murdering his brother.
  • Napoleon is often accused of usurping the ideals of the French Revolution to crown himself emperor.

Common Mistakes

Often confused with “inherit” or “assume”; “usurp” always implies illegitimacy or force.

Micro Story

He plotted to usurp the throne while the king was away at war.