different between usurp vs pilfer

English

Etymology

From Middle English usurpen, from Old French usurper, from Latin ?s?rp?.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ju?s?p/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ju??z??p/
• Rhymes: -??(?)p

Verb

usurp (third-person singular simple present usurps, present participle usurping, simple past and past participle usurped)

1. To seize power from another, usually by illegitimate means.
2. To use and assume the coat of arms of another person.
3. To take the place rightfully belonging to someone or something else.
4. (obsolete) To make use of.
   • 1662, Henry More, An Antidote Against Atheism, Appendix, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 149:

     " […] especially considering that even Matter it self, in which they tumble and wallow, which they feel with their hands and usurp with all their Senses […] "

Related terms

• usurpation
• usurper

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English pilfre (“booty”), from Old French pelfre (“plunder, booty, spoils”), of unknown origin. Compare pelf.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?p?l.f?/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?p?l.f?/

Verb

pilfer (third-person singular simple present pilfers, present participle pilfering, simple past and past participle pilfered)

1. (transitive, intransitive) To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.

Derived terms

• pilferage
• pilferer

Related terms

• pelf

See also

• fib

Translations

Anagrams

• reflip