usurp
v. C2 Proficiency US //ˌjuˈsɝp// UK //juːzˈɜːp// usurp
v. to take power or a position by force or without permission. It usually describes someone taking over a role that belongs to another person.
v. to seize power, authority, or a position by force or without legal right. Often implies a violation of established order or hierarchy.
The general tried to usurp the king's power.
The new manager attempted to usurp the director's authority by making decisions without consulting the board.
Historians often debate whether the revolution was a legitimate transfer of power or a violent attempt to usurp the throne from a weakened monarch.
From Middle English usurpen, from Old French usurper, from Latin ūsūrpō (ūsus use + rapiō seize).