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Definition of usurp

usurp

/juːˈzɜːrp/
u · surp
Past Simple:usurped
•
Past Participle:usurped
•
Present Participle:usurping
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usurp Lexical Profile

usurp Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To take and hold a position of power, authority, or privilege illegally or by force.

Example

"The ambitious noble plotted to usurp the throne while the rightful monarch was abroad."

2

To encroach upon, displace, or take the place of someone or something in a position of importance or influence.

Example

"Streaming services have largely usurped traditional cable television as the primary medium for home entertainment."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for usurp

• Nearby Words

usual
usually
usualness
usurp
usurper
utah blind snake
ute

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French usurper from Latin usurpare ('to seize for use'), probably contracted from usu ('by use', from uti 'to use') and rapere ('to seize').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Usurp. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/usurp
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