簒 (cuàn) - To usurp — to seize power or position & to overthrow a legitimate authority.

簒Tone 4

cuàn ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

簒 · cuàn

To usurp — to seize power or position wrongfully, especially by force or intrigue;

to overthrow a legitimate authority.

To usurp — to seize power or positionto overthrow a legitimate authority.

Usage highlights

Usurp the throneUsurp powerTamper with/falsifyUsurp the stateUsurp and seizeUsurp and establish

Synonyms

  • 夺— to seize, take by force
  • 窃— to steal, usurp secretly
  • 僭— to arrogate, presume beyond one's station

Antonyms

  • 禅— to abdicate (peacefully transfer power)
  • 让— to yield, cede
  • 奉— to offer up, present respectfully

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The general attempted to usurp the throne (篡位).
  • They plotted to usurp the company leadership (篡权).
  • Historical records detail the usurpation of dynasties (篡朝).
  • He altered the document to usurp credit (篡改).

Collocations

  • Usurp the throne(篡位)
  • Usurp power(篡权)
  • Tamper with/falsify(篡改)
  • Usurp the state(篡国)
  • Usurp and seize(篡夺)
  • Usurp and establish(篡立)

Idioms

  • Usurp the throne and seize the state(篡位夺国)
  • Falsify history and usurp the nation(篡史窃国)
  • Usurp the mandate and rebel(篡逆造反)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Strongly associated with illegitimate seizure of imperial power in Chinese history, carrying heavy negative moral judgment.
  • Frequently appears in historical narratives condemning regicides, coups d'état, and treacherous ministers.
  • The character structure suggests secretive or underhanded action (厶 private + 算 calculate).

FAQ