| 释义 |
usurp
\yüˈs]ərp, -]ə̄p, -]əip sometimes -ˈz]\ verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English usurpen, from Middle French usurper, from Latin usurpare to take possession of by use, employ, usurp, from usu (abl. of usus use) + rapere to seize — more at use, rapid
transitive verb
1. : to seize and hold (as office, place, functions, powers, or rights) in possession by force or without right
< usurp a throne >
< by use of the treaty-making power, the president can usurp legislative powers that do not belong to him — J.J.Del Castillo >
2. : to occupy (as land or a city) by or as if by force : take possession of
< the bogs, like inland seas, usurp the earth — Sacheverell Sitwell >
3. : to employ wrongfully : use without authority
4. : to take the place of by or as if by force : supplant
< gloom was beginning to usurp mirth — O.S.J.Gogarty >
5. archaic : to appropriate (a word or expression) for use
intransitive verb
: to act as a usurper:
a. : to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully
b. : to practice usurpation upon a person — used with on or upon
c. : to encroach or infringe upon a right or privilege — used with on or upon
Synonyms: see appropriate |