YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

usurp

Verb

IPA /juːˈzɜːp/

Understand it. Say it. Use it.

UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

To take someone's power or position without having the right to do so.

SAY IT ALOUD

Pronunciation

usurp/juːˈzɜːp/

PICTURE THE IDEA

See the meaning

Follow the idea

The ruler holds rightful power
An adviser seizes control
Power is taken without a right

To usurp authority is to take it improperly from someone else.

SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

In the fairy tale, the adviser tries to usurp the queen's throne.
One group member tried to usurp the chair's authority and control every decision.

MAKE IT STICK

Quick word quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the word?

Complete the example using the word from this lesson.

In the fairy tale, the adviser tries to ________ the queen's throne.

Show the answer

usurp — To take someone's power or position without having the right to do so.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “usurp” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To take someone's power or position without having the right to do so.

Compare: In the fairy tale, the adviser tries to usurp the queen's throne.

Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

Word origin

From Old French usurper and Latin usurpare, meaning to seize for use.

Did you know?

Usurp commonly takes power, authority, a role or a throne as its object.

Explore related words

Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.

Make the word your own

Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.

Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.

Practise this word in the app

Completion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.