coup d'état

[koo dey-tah, koo dey-ta]

noun

plural

coups d'état 

1. a sudden and decisive action in politics, especially one resulting in a change of government illegally or by force.

   Synonyms: uprising, revolution, rebellion, overthrow

coup d'état

/ ku deta, ˈkuː deɪˈtɑː /

noun

1. a sudden violent or illegal seizure of government

coup d'état

1. A quick and decisive seizure of governmental power by a strong military or political group. In contrast to a revolution, a coup d'état, or coup, does not involve a mass uprising. Rather, in the typical coup, a small group of politicians or generals arrests the incumbent leaders, seizes the national radio and television services, and proclaims itself in power. Coup d'état is French for “stroke of the state” or “blow to the government.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup d'état¹

1640–50; < French: literally, stroke concerning the state

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup d'état¹

French, literally: stroke of state

Example Sentences

Reform UK previously accused the chief executive of a "coup d'etat", in a claim made by the party's head of government efficiency, Zia Yusuf.

From BBC

“Today the system of checks and balances died. ... Today was a coup d’etat. No weapons were used, but they captured the institutions meant to safeguard democracy.”

From Los Angeles Times

This latest change results from a new constitution approved by lawmakers last year, labelled by critics and opposition figures as an "institutional coup d'état".

From BBC

Soon after the failed coup d’état on Jan. 6, 2021, this narrative became the core message of Trumpism.

From Salon

Levitsky and Ziblatt’s 2018 book, “How Democracies Die,” argued that autocrats don’t always announce themselves with tanks and a coup d’etat.

From Los Angeles Times