coup d'etat

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Definition

Noun: A coup d'état is the sudden, illegal, and often violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group, typically from within the state's own military or political elite. It is a seizure of state power.

Usage

The term is used to describe a specific type of political action. It is a count noun (plural: coups d'état or often simply coups). * The military staged a coup d'état and dissolved the parliament. * The president was deposed in a bloodless coup d'état. * Historians studied the causes of the 18th Brumaire coup d'état.

Advanced Usage
  • "to stage/mount/engineer a coup d'état": This is the standard collocation for describing the execution of a coup.
    • The generals conspired to stage a coup d'état.
  • "a failed/abortive coup d'état": Describes an attempted coup that was not successful.
    • The failed coup d'état led to a severe crackdown on dissent.
  • "a palace coup": A specific type of coup d'état where the power shift happens within the ruling regime itself, often without widespread violence or public involvement.
    • The prime minister was removed in a palace coup by members of his own party.
Variants and Related Words
  • Coup (n): The common shortened form of "coup d'état." In other contexts, "coup" can also mean a notable success or achievement (e.g., ).
  • Putsch (n): A German-derived synonym for a coup d'état, often implying a swift, violent attempt.
  • Usurpation (n): The act of taking someone's power or position illegally or by force. This is a broader term that can encompass a coup.
Synonyms
  • Overthrow: The removal of a ruler or government from power.
  • Seizure of power: A direct description of the act.
  • Takeover: A general term for assuming control, which can be applied in political contexts.
Related Phrases
  • Coup de grâce (n): A final, decisive blow or action. While phonetically similar, it is a distinct French phrase meaning "stroke of mercy" and is not related to political overthrow.
  • Counter-coup (n): A coup d'état staged in response to or to reverse a previous coup.
    • The new regime was itself toppled in a counter-coup six months later.
Notes

The phrase coup d'état is of French origin, literally meaning "stroke of state." It emphasizes the sudden, decisive nature of the action against the state apparatus.

Noun
  1. a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force

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