usurp

One entry found for usurp.

Main Entry: usurp
Pronunciation: yu-'s&rp also -'z&rp
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French usorper, from Latin usurpare to take possession of without legal claim, from usu (ablative of usus use) + rapere to seize -- more at RAPID
transitive verb
1 a : to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right <usurp a throne> b : to take or make use of without right <usurped the rights to her life story>
2 : to take the place of by or as if by force : SUPPLANT <must not let stock responses based on inherited prejudice usurp careful judgment>
intransitive verb : to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully
- usur·pa·tion /"yü-s&r-'pA-sh&n also "yü-z&r-/ noun
- usurp·er /yu-'s&r-p&r also -'z&r-/ noun