Usurp is a verb that means to take by force.
The Latin word usurpare (ooh zoo PAR ay) means ‘to seize for use.’ The word was then seized by English speakers during the Middle English period and is still being used today with the same basic meaning. Here’s an example:
As a reporter, you have to hold on to your press pass at all costs. You’ll meet people who will try to usurp it from you — and for good reason. There’s a lot of power in that backstage pass to the dog show
