usurpare

to usurp

verb oo-zoor-PAH-reh Rare

Origin: Latin 'usurpare' (to seize for use).

Also means

to seize unlawfully

Usage Note

Usurpare takes avere as its auxiliary. It is used in formal and historical contexts for illegitimate seizure of power, a title, or territory (usurpare il trono = to usurp the throne). The agent noun is usurpatore (m) / usurpatrice (f).

Examples

"Il generale tentò di usurpare il potere."

Natural Translation

The general tried to usurp power.

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