v.
Pronunciation: yu ̇ - ' s ə rp also - ' z ə rp
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French usorper, from Latin usurpare to take possession of without legal claim, from usually (abl. of usus use) + rapere to seize ― more at RAPID
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a : to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right < usurp a throne> b : to take or make use of without right < usurp ed the rights to her life story>
2 : to take the place of by or as if by force : SUPPLANT <must not let stock responses based on inherited prejudice usurp careful judgment>
intransitive verb : to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully
– usur · pa · tion \ ˌ yü-s ə r- ' p ā -sh ə n also ˌ yü-z ə r- \ noun
– usurp · er \ yu ̇ - ' s ə r-p ə r also - ' z ə r- \ noun