Definition

Noun: A sudden, often violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government, typically carried out by a small group within the state's existing establishment (such as the military or political elites). It implies a fundamental and disruptive change in political leadership and control.

Usage Examples

• (The political upheaval overthrew the government in a single night.)
• (The military generals were believed to be behind the putsch.)
• (After the coup d'état, the country fell into a state of instability.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a connotation of internal conspiracy and power struggle, as opposed to a revolution, which may involve broader popular participation.
• It can be used in historical contexts to describe pivotal moments where political power changed hands abruptly and extra-constitutionally.

Variants and Related Words

• Đảo chính: This is a more direct and commonly used synonym for "coup d'état" or "putsch."
• Loạn chính: Refers to political turmoil or disorder, which can be a broader state than a specific coup.

Synonyms

• Coup d'état: The overthrow of a government.
• Putsch: A sudden attempt to overthrow a government.
• Political coup: A seizure of political power.

Related Idioms

• While not a direct idiom, the concept is central to phrases like (to be implicated in a coup) or (to survive a putsch).

noun

1. Political upheaval, putsch