PoliticsAugust 17, 2026

usurp

yoo-ZURP

Definition

To take over or exercise a position or power illegally, by force, or without right.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'usurpare,' meaning 'to seize to one's own use,' which is formed from 'usus' (use) and 'rapere' (to seize).

In the news

The article uses the word to describe how the Justice Department overstepped its authority by overriding the General Services Administration's legal decision to relocate the FBI headquarters.

Trump administration can’t scrap plan to move FBI headquarters to Md., judge rules

Read the full article ↗

The Washington Post

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