Usurper

u·surp  (y-sûrp, -zûrp)

v. u·surped, u·surp·ing, u·surps

v.tr.

1. To seize and hold (the power or rights of another, for example) by force or without legal authority. See Synonyms at appropriate.

2. To take over or occupy without right: usurp a neighbor's land.

3. To take the place of (another) without legal authority; supplant.

v.intr.

To seize another's place, authority, or possession wrongfully.

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[Middle English usurpen, from Old French usurper, from Latin srpre, to take into use, usurp; see reup- in Indo-European roots.]

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u·surper n.

u·surping·ly adv.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

usurper - one who wrongfully or illegally seizes and holds the place of another supplanter offender, wrongdoer - a person who transgresses moral or civil law claim jumper - one who illegally occupies property to which another has a legal claim