rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycoupSeizure of government power
noun

coup

KOO/kuː/

A striking success achieved through surprise or skill.

Taking the seat of power is a stunning coup for the officer.

An armed military officer forcibly replaces a civilian national leader at the seat of government: he occupies the ceremonial executive chair and pulls the official microphone toward himself while a soldier restrains the displaced leader beside him.
Etymology
coupGreekblow, slap

Greek kolaphos meant a blow or slap; its deeper origin is unclear. The physical blow became a sudden decisive act, with the political sense arising as a shortened form of coup d'état.

In context

Peoples Dispatch12:09
the cnsp which is the regime that came to power after the military coup of July 26 has Consolidated uh its power
Give The People What They Want! BRICS summit, Updates from Niger

More examples

  • The small publisher scored a coup by signing the bestselling author.
  • Securing the rival company's biggest client was a major coup.
  • She pulls off diplomatic coups that more experienced negotiators cannot manage.

Forms

coup · coups

Similar words

triumph
Emphasizes a great victory without necessarily suggesting surprise or cleverness.
feat
Emphasizes the difficulty or skill involved in an accomplishment.