coup d'état

Definition

Noun (countable): A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government, typically carried out by a small group, often the military or political rivals, to overthrow the existing regime.

Usage Examples

• (A sudden overthrow of the government by military force.)
• (The possibility of an illegal seizure of power.)
• (A contested interpretation of a political takeover.)

Advanced Usage

• "attempted coup d'état": an unsuccessful effort to overthrow a government.
  • The attempted coup d'état was crushed by loyalist forces within hours. (The rebellion failed.)
• "coup d'état by proxy": when external powers orchestrate a takeover indirectly.
  • The neighbouring country was accused of planning a coup d'état by proxy. (Foreign involvement in a covert overthrow.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coup (n): a shortened, informal form of "coup d'état," often used in news and conversation.
  • The army staged a coup last Tuesday. (A sudden, illegal seizure of power.)
• Counter-coup (n): a coup intended to reverse a previous coup.
  • After the first coup, a counter-coup restored the original government. (A reactionary overthrow.)

Synonyms

• Overthrow: the act of removing a ruler or government by force.
• Takeover: the seizure of control, often by a group or faction.
• Putsch: a violent attempt to overthrow a government, especially by a small group (from German, used in historical contexts).

Related Idioms

• "Seize power": to take control of a government, often by force.
  • The rebels sought to seize power through a coup d'état. (To forcibly assume authority.)
• "Stage a coup": to plan and execute a coup d'état.
  • The colonels staged a coup d'état while the president was abroad. (To carry out an illegal takeover.)

Phrasal Verbs

• "Take over": to assume control, often in a forceful or unauthorized manner.
  • The military took over the government in a swift coup d'état. (Seized control.)