usurp
/ˌjuˈsɝp/
to take a position of power illegally or by force
usurp in a sentence
“The general usurped control from the elected government.”
Origin of usurp
Latin usurpare (to take possession of), from usus (use) + rapere (to seize)
Related Words
totalitarianism
a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience
anarchy
a state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority
hegemony
leadership or dominance, especially of one nation over others
sovereignty
supreme power or authority; self-governance
autonomy
the right or condition of self-government; independence
autocracy
a system of government by one person with absolute power