coup
coup Lexical Profile
coup Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sudden, unlawful seizure of power from a government; a coup d'état.
"The prime minister was deposed in a bloodless political coup that reshaped the country's constitution."
A notable or unexpectedly successful stroke, move, or achievement.
"Securing the exclusive interview with the reclusive author was a major coup for the young journalist."
North American Among Native Americans of the Great Plains, an act of bravery in battle, especially touching an armed enemy without killing them.
"Touching an opponent in close quarters without harming them was historically regarded as the highest form of coup among Plains warriors."
Word Nuance & Usage
The final 'p' in both singular 'coup' (/kuː/) and plural 'coups' (/kuːz/) is silent; avoid confusing it with 'coupe' (/kuːp/), which refers to a two-door car.
• Rhymes for coup
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from French 'coup' (meaning 'a blow' or 'a stroke'), often as a shortening of 'coup d'état', ultimately from Late Latin 'colpus' and Ancient Greek 'kolaphos' ('a blow with the fist').