arrogate

[ar-uh-geyt]

verb (used with object)

arrogated, arrogating 

1. to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously; assume or appropriate to oneself without right.

   to arrogate the right to make decisions.

2. to attribute or assign to another; ascribe.

arrogate

/ əˈrɒɡətɪv, ˈærəˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to claim or appropriate for oneself presumptuously or without justification

2. (tr) to attribute or assign to another without justification

Other Word Forms

• arrogator noun
• arrogative adjective
• arrogation noun
• arrogatingly adverb
• unarrogated adjective
• unarrogating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrogate¹

1530–40; < Latin arrogātus appropriated, assumed, questioned (past participle of arrogāre ), equivalent to arrog- ( ar- ar- + rog ( āre ) to ask, propose) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrogate¹

C16: from Latin arrogāre, from rogāre to ask

Example Sentences

"The Order violates and subverts the separation of powers by lawlessly arrogating to the President authority to declare election rules by executive fiat."

From Salon

But in any case, very few women seek the absolute power that the male writers and scholars of the Abrahamic religious traditions arrogated for themselves.

From Salon

Today, we have a priest who has disbanded the pastoral council and arrogated governance to himself and his staff.

From Seattle Times

"It can only happen through a Supreme Court decision. Otherwise no political party can arrogate themselves that right or power. It’s wishful thinking."

From Reuters

“We hold only that state courts may not transgress the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections.”

From New York Times