# unseat

/ənˈsit/ (US) · /ʌnsˈiːt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unseat
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

to remove someone from an important position, especially an elected job. You use it when voters choose someone else.

For teachers: to remove from office or deprive of a seat, especially by defeat in an election. Extends to physically throwing a rider from a saddle.

## Examples

- Voters unseat the mayor after one bad term.
- In the local election, young voters joined forces to unseat the councillor who opposed the new library.
- After two decades in parliament, the veteran minister was finally unseated by a grassroots challenger who campaigned on housing reform and climate action.

## Synonyms

oust, remove, defeat

## Antonyms

elect

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.