usurp

verb/juˈzɜrp/

Frequency rank: #17,190 most common English word

Meaning

to take a position of power illegally or by force.

Illustration for the English word “usurp”

Example sentence

The ambitious general tried to usurp the throne from the rightful king.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 17,101–17,200