usurpar

to usurp

verb oo-soor-PAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin usurpare, 'to seize for use.'

Usage Note

Usurpar means to seize power, a title, or property without right. It is most common in political and legal contexts: usurpar el trono (usurp the throne), usurpar funciones (assume functions unlawfully). The derived noun usurpación and agent noun usurpador follow the same pattern and appear in the same formal registers.

Examples

"El general intentó usurpar el poder del gobierno."

Natural Translation

The general tried to usurp the government's power.

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