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Usurp vs Dispossess - What's the difference?

usurp | dispossess |

As verbs the difference between usurp and dispossess

is that usurp is to seize power from another, usually by illegitimate means while dispossess is to deprive someone of the possession of land, especially by evicting them.

usurp

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To seize power from another, usually by illegitimate means.
  • To use and assume the coat of arms of another person.
  • (obsolete) To make use of.
  • * 1662 , , Appendix, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 149:
  • ""

    dispossess

    English

    Verb

  • To deprive someone of the possession of land, especially by evicting them.
  • (sports) To take possession of the ball/puck etc. (from someone).
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2011 , date=October 1 , author=John Sinnott , title=Aston Villa 2 - 0 Wigan , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=It was Bannan who released Agbonlahor for his goal with a long-range curling pass after Stephen Warnock had dispossessed Mohamed Diame.}}