coup d'état

coup d'é·tat

C c

Definitions of coup d'état words

countable noun coup d'état When there is a coup d'état, a group of people seize power in a country. 3
noun coup d'état a sudden violent or illegal seizure of government 3
noun coup d'état the sudden, forcible overthrow of a ruler, government, etc., sometimes with violence, by a small group of people already having some political or military authority 3
noun plural coup d'état a sudden and decisive action in politics, especially one resulting in a change of government illegally or by force. 1
noun coup d'état political coup, government overthrow 1
noun coup d'état The sudden overthrow of a government, differing from a revolution by being carried out by a small group of people who replace only the leading figures. 0

before 1640

One of the 44% oldest English words

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

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

This term is known only to a narrow circle of people with rare knowledge. Only 1% of English native speakers know the meaning of this word.

According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

coup — When there is a coup, a group of people seize power in a country.
overthrow — to depose, as from a position of power; overcome, defeat, or vanquish: to overthrow a tyrant.
rebellion — open, organized, and armed resistance to one's government or ruler.
revolt — to break away from or rise against constituted authority, as by open rebellion; cast off allegiance or subjection to those in authority; rebel; mutiny: to revolt against the present government.
revolution — an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.