WordValecoup
a sudden, often violent, seizure of power
In more detail
1. (noun) a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government
2. (noun) a sudden, successful, and unexpected stroke or move
Examples
- 1. The military officers staged a coup and took control of the country.
- 2. Signing that famous actor was a major coup for the small theater company.
How to use coup
Coup typically refers to a sudden seizure of political power, often military in nature, though it can more broadly mean any unexpected successful move or achievement. The French phrase 'coup d'état' is often used interchangeably with coup in political contexts. In non-political contexts, it emphasizes boldness and unexpectedness.
Common phrases
- coup d'état
- military coup
- pull off a coup
- stage a coup
- bloodless coup
Synonyms
takeover · overthrow · putsch · grab · stroke
Word family
coup d'état
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse coup with 'coupe' (a type of car) or misspell it as 'coo'. The word comes from French and is pronounced 'koo' (rhymes with 'blue'), not 'cow'.
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