Get more practice with the workbook
Build vocabulary faster with structured lessons and activities.
4.6
✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
4.8
✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities, 354 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
4.8
✔ Add 1,500 must-know verbs to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 70 categorized lessons, 175 practical activities, 266 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
coup-d'état
Coup-d'état (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:

What does coup-d'état mean?
A sudden, violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group.
"He was arrested for his role in the attempted coup d'etat."
Detailed Meaning of Coup-d'état
"Coup d'etat" is a French phrase that translates to "stroke of state" or "blow against the state." It is used to describe a sudden, illegal and often violent takeover of a government, typically by a small group of people in positions of power, such as military leaders or politicians. A coup d'etat is typically carried out by a small group of individuals who seek to overthrow the existing government and establish a new regime. The group may use force, propaganda or other means to gain control of key government institutions, such as the military, the police, and the media. The objective of a coup d'etat is to overthrow the legitimate government and replace it with a new leadership. In many cases, the coup leaders may suspend or abolish the constitution and impose martial law, censorship and repression to maintain their grip on power. Coup d'etat is a serious political crime and is widely condemned by the international community.
Example Sentences for Coup-d'état
1. The coup d'état toppled the government, sparking chaos.
2. A successful coup d'état can reshape a nation's destiny.
3. Coup d'états often lead to power struggles and instability.
4. The military orchestrated the coup d'état in secrecy.
5. The coup d'état caught the world by surprise.
6. Citizens protested against the coup d'état in the streets.
Origin and Etymology of Coup-d'état
The noun 'coup d'état' has its etymological origins in French. It is formed by combining 'coup,' which means 'blow' or 'strike,' and 'état,' meaning 'state' or 'government.' Therefore, 'coup d'état' can be understood as a 'blow to the state' or 'a sudden overthrow of the government.' The term entered the English language in the early 19th century, primarily used to describe a sudden and often violent change of government orchestrated by a small group or faction within a country. 'Coup d'état' underscores the dramatic and forceful nature of such political upheavals, where the existing government is abruptly and forcefully replaced. Its etymology reflects its historical connection to French political discourse and its adoption into the broader international vocabulary to describe significant political events.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the noun coup-d'état:
Try Again!
Correct!
More Usage Examples of Coup-d'état
1. A coup d'état can disrupt a country's political landscape.
2. Coup d'états have historical implications for nations.
3. The coup d'état resulted in a change of leadership.
4. Foreign nations condemned the violent coup d'état.
5. Government officials were arrested in the coup d'état.
6. The coup d'état shattered the nation's peace.
7. The coup d'état prompted international intervention.
8. A coup d'état requires careful planning and execution.
9. The coup d'état left the country in turmoil.
10. Repercussions of the coup d'état were felt for years.
11. The coup d'état led to a period of authoritarian rule.
12. Coup d'états can have profound societal consequences.
13. The coup d'état was met with resistance from civilians.
14. Political analysts debated the motives behind the coup d'état.
15. The coup d'etat was successful and the dictator was overthrown.
16. The coup d'etat was planned for months by a group of military officers.
17. He was exiled after the failed coup d'etat.
18. She was a key player in the coup d'etat that brought the new government to power.
19. The coup d'etat was met with resistance from the loyalists.
20. He was executed for his role in the coup d'etat.
21. She was appointed as the head of the new government after the coup d'etat.
22. The coup d'etat was carried out with the support of foreign powers.
23. He was arrested for plotting a coup d'etat against the government.
24. She was a vocal opponent of the coup d'etat and supported the legitimate government.
25. The coup d'etat was widely condemned by the international community.
Synonyms and Related Words for Coup-d'état
Related Vocabulary Practice
Test your understanding of coup-d'état in related quizzes, flashcards, and spelling activities:
Command and Constraint

Choose an activity:
Chaos and Conflict

Choose an activity:
Dominance and Supremacy

Choose an activity:
Events and Milestones

Choose an activity:
Governance and Authority

Choose an activity:
Politics and Government

Choose an activity:
✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT


