ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›U›usurp
ISEE/SSAThard
usurp
to seize power or a position without rightful authority
Synonyms
- seize
- appropriate
- commandeer
Antonyms
- relinquish
- surrender
- yield
usurp in a sentence
The ambitious minister attempted to usurp the king's authority.
The regent plotted to usurp the young queen's throne.
Where it comes from
From Latin usurpare, meaning 'to seize or take possession.'
Memory hook
USURP sounds like 'you seize': to usurp is to seize power that is not yours.
Read it in context
- The Unsmoothed Voice Narrative