usurp

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "usurp" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to seize and hold power without authority or without legal right. For example, "The enemy forces had usurped control of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is proposing that a minister be given powers that usurp the role of the courts.

The Guardian

By "orange card" I mean the Conservative party's past use of unionist votes in parliament, or in the case of the home rule crisis, the threat of unionism's potential military muscle, to cling to national power and/or usurp their domestic British opponents.

The Guardian

"Ministers cannot usurp judicial powers … What they are proposing runs counter to basic and fundamental principles of the rule of law and the separation of powers.

The Guardian

There is no honour in resigning from a party a few months from a general election, and resigning also as MP specifically so as to trigger a byelection as the only way to usurp the long-standing Ukip member and properly selected candidate from his status.

The Guardian

Similar battles have happened before, most notably in the "browser wars" of the mid-1990s, wheNetscapepe's Navigator tried to usurp a dominant platform, Microsoft's Windows operating system.

The Economist

Bloated budget deficits, high inflation, stagnant growth and rampant corruption were the hallmarks of incompetent bureaucrats trying to usurp the market.

The Economist

"They were concerned that the Sony PlayStation was going to usurp what Microsoft sees as the PC's rightful place as the home hub, the gateway to the outside world".

The Economist

So Americans are wrong to think their "pre-eminence is America's to lose".Bratty or benign?If China does usurp America, what kind of hegemon will it be?

The Economist

Not a closed book Economics on the net Feminism is motherhood Through a glass darkly How to get a boy Money can buy it ReprintsThe "broken estate" of the book's title refers ostensibly to the religious crisis of the last century when Christianity lost its claim to divine truth, and literature attempted to usurp it.

The Economist

But careful triage of the particles enabled the researchers to triple the lifetime of the devices to more than 40 hours.These silicon quantum dots are not about to usurp those in Sony's new television their longevity and efficiency still leaves a lot to be desired and the team has yet to coax blue light from them.

The Economist

But many congressmen think it would usurp their responsibilities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usurp" when you specifically want to convey the idea of seizing power or authority illegitimately or without just cause. It adds a layer of condemnation to the act.

Common error

Avoid using "usurp" when you simply mean to replace or succeed someone in a position. "Usurp" carries the connotation of illegitimacy or force.

Linguistic Context

Usurp functions primarily as a verb, describing the act of seizing power or authority illegitimately. It suggests a forceful or unlawful taking, which is supported by Ludwig's examples that highlight contexts of political power and control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

21%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "usurp" is a versatile verb that primarily describes the act of seizing power or authority illegitimately. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its usage is widespread across diverse contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias, reflecting its relevance in describing events where authority is challenged or subverted. Understanding its implications of illegitimacy is essential for accurate and impactful communication, and by comparing and contrasting it with terms like "seize", "take over", and "arrogate", writers can ensure their message is as precise as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illegitimately assume

Directly states the act of assuming something without legal right, mirroring a key aspect of "usurp".

arrogate to oneself

Stresses the act of claiming something without justification, similar to the older usage of "usurp".

seize control

Focuses on the action of taking control, omitting the element of illegitimacy often associated with "usurp".

wrest power

Highlights the struggle and effort involved in taking power, rather than the lack of right to do so.

take over

A more general term for assuming control, lacking the implication of force or illegality present in "usurp".

oust

Indicates removing someone from a position of power, often a prerequisite to usurping it.

supplant

Emphasizes replacing something else, but not necessarily through illegitimate means.

displace

Similar to supplant, focuses on the act of replacement, not necessarily the legitimacy of the action.

appropriate

Implies taking possession, but may or may not be illegitimate depending on the context.

commandeer

Suggests taking control of something for military or public use, not necessarily political power.

FAQs

How to use "usurp" in a sentence?

The verb "usurp" is used to describe the act of taking power or a position illegally or by force. For example, "The general attempted to "usurp" the throne."

What can I say instead of "usurp"?

You can use alternatives like "seize control", "take over", or "supplant" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "usurp the throne" or "assume the throne"?

"Usurp the throne" implies that the action was illegal or forceful. "Assume the throne" is a more neutral term that simply means to take on the position of monarch, without necessarily implying illegitimacy. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "usurp" and "arrogate"?

"Usurp" typically refers to seizing power or a position, while "arrogate" means to claim or take something (like a right or privilege) without justification. "Arrogate" doesn't necessarily involve taking power from someone else.