Definitions for usurp
yuˈsɜrp, -ˈzɜrpusurp

Princeton's WordNet(4.67 / 3 votes)Rate this definition:

1. assume, usurp, seize, take over, arrogateverb

   seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession

   "He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town"; "he usurped my rights"; "She seized control of the throne after her husband died"

2. usurpverb

   take the place of

   "gloom had usurped mirth at the party after the news of the terrorist act broke"

Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. usurpverb

   To seize power from another, usually by illegitimate means.

   Etymology: From French usurper, from Latin ūsūrpāre

2. usurpverb

   To use and assume the coat of arms of another person.

   Etymology: From French usurper, from Latin ūsūrpāre

Webster Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Usurpverb

   to seize, and hold in possession, by force, or without right; as, to usurp a throne; to usurp the prerogatives of the crown; to usurp power; to usurp the right of a patron is to oust or dispossess him

2. Usurpverb

   to commit forcible seizure of place, power, functions, or the like, without right; to commit unjust encroachments; to be, or act as, a usurper

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Usurp

   ū-zurp′, v.t. to take possession of by force without right.—n. Usurpā′tion, act of usurping: unlawful seizure and possession: intrusion into an office.—adj. Usur′patory.—ns. Usur′pātrix, a female usurper; Usur′pature, usurpation.—adv. Usur′pedly.—n. Usur′per.—adj. Usur′ping.—adv. Usur′pingly. [Fr.,—L. usurpāre, perh. contr. from usu-rapĕre, to seize to one's own use—usus, use, rapĕre, to seize; or from usum rumpĕre, to break a use.]

Matched Categories

1. • Supplant

How to pronounce usurp?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say usurp in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of usurp in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of usurp in Pythagorean Numerology is: 5

Examples of usurp in a Sentence

1. Jonathan Keller:

   Parents should be consulted before their minor children are given life-altering medical treatment, it's deeply concerning that the Legislature and the governor continue to usurp parental authority.

2. Thor Stacey:

   This was a case of the federal government overstepping and trying to usurp the state's authority to manage its wildlife.

3. Iain Overton:

   I call today the age of the suicide bomber. This is very much a time of extreme acts that have to, in a way, usurp the previous attacks, they have to be much more devastating, more impactful, more hurtful, to get as much media headlines as possible.

4. Paris Independent School District:

   The board believes the dress code can be used to mitigate communicable health issues, and therefore has amended the PISD dress code to protect our students and employees, the Texas governor does not have the authority to usurp the board of trustees' exclusive power and duty to govern and oversee the management of the public schools of the district.

5. John Cornyn:

   The whole idea that presidents -- whether it's President President Donald Trump, President President Sanders or President Sanders -- can declare an emergency and somehow usurp the separation of powers and get into the business of appropriating money for specific projects without Congress being involved, is a serious constitutional question.

Popularity rank by frequency of use