coup
Pronunciation
Noun
B1 Intermediate
Quick answer
A sudden, often violent, seizure of power from a government, usually by the military.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms
overthrow
takeover
Usage notes
"Coup" is a shortened form of the French "coup d'etat," and the final letter is silent.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The general led a _____ that removed the president overnight."
Answer: coup
In your own words, what does "coup" mean?
A sudden, often violent, seizure of power from a government, usually by the military.
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