Usurp
hardNegative toneyoo-SURP
verb
Definition
to seize power, position, or rights without legitimate authority
Memory hook
USURP: 'you SLURP' the crown right off the king's head and gulp down his power that was never yours.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The general usurped the throne while the rightful heir was still a child.”
“Critics warned that the agency was beginning to usurp powers reserved for the legislature.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The general ______ the throne while the rightful heir was still a child.”
Show answer
usurped
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Usurp is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "seize" or "appropriate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "relinquish".
Related GRE Words
felicitous
well-chosen and apt; pleasingly suitable
aggrandize
To increase the power, status, or wealth of; to make appear greater
capitulate
To surrender or give in, often after resisting
circumscribe
to restrict or limit the bounds of
conciliatory
intended to placate or win goodwill; appeasing
foment
to stir up or instigate (trouble, unrest)
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