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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. 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. [Middle English usurpen, from Old French usurper, from Latin ūsūrpāre, to take into use, usurp; see reup- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] u·surper n. u·surping·ly adv. |
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