usurpative
|u-surp-a-tive|
🇺🇸
/juːˈzɜːrpətɪv/
🇬🇧
/juːˈzɜːpətɪv/
seize without right
Etymology
'usurpative' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'usurpāre' (variant 'usurpare'), where 'usus' meant 'use' and 'rapere' meant 'to seize'.
'usurpative' changed from Latin 'usurpāre' into Old French 'usurper' and Middle English 'usurpen', and eventually yielded the modern English verb 'usurp' and the adjective 'usurpative'.
Initially, it meant 'to take for use or seize', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'tending to seize power or rights wrongfully'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
characterized by or tending to usurp; taking power, rights, or position wrongfully or by force.
The usurpative actions of the commander endangered the constitutional order.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 20:52