[usurp] vb [ME, fr. MF usurper, fr. L usurpare to take possession of without legal claim, fr. usu (abl. of usus use) + rapere to seize--more at rapid] vt (14c) 1 a: to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right "~ a throne" b: to take or make use of without right "~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 ~ careful judgment" ~ vi: to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully -- usur.pa.tion n -- usurp.er n