usurp

/juˈsʌrp/

/juˈsʌp/

Other forms: usurped; usurping; usurps

If you take over your neighbor's backyard and claim his in-ground swimming pool as your own, you might seize control of, or usurp his yard, but he'll probably call the cops on you.

Leaders who usurp power don't ask for permission to take control of their country. They seize power, often with the help of a large army of followers. A usurper doesn't have to be human. A brand-new radio station can usurp the most popular station in town by playing a better mix of music.

Definitions of usurp

1. verb

   seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
   “he usurped my rights”

   synonyms: arrogate, assume, seize, take over

   types:

   annex

   take (territory) as if by conquest

   appropriate, capture, conquer, seize

   take possession of by force, as after an invasion

   preoccupy

   occupy or take possession of beforehand or before another or appropriate for use in advance

   hijack

   seize control of

   raid

   take over (a company) by buying a controlling interest of its stock

   carry

   capture after a fight

   colonise, colonize

   settle as a colony; of countries in the developing world

   type of:

   take

   take by force
2. verb

   take the place of
   “gloom had usurped mirth at the party after the news of the terrorist act broke”

   type of:

   replace, supercede, supersede, supervene upon, supplant

   take the place or move into the position of