Coup

/kuː/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.

The military staged a coup to overthrow the democratically elected president.

A notable or successful act or move.

Winning the award was a major coup for the young filmmaker.

A clever or successful piece of strategy.

Hiking in the mountains during the winter was a coup for the adventurous group.

French 'coup' meaning 'blow' or 'strike'

coup d'état

A sudden overthrow of the government.

military coup

An illegal seizure of power by military forces.

bloodless coup

A coup that does not involve bloodshed.

revolution

A forcible overthrow of a government or social order.

insurrection

A violent uprising against an authority or government.

uprising

An act of resistance or rebellion.

A major achievement or victory.

That new advertising campaign was a total coup for the agency.

An unexpected or clever maneuver.

Pulling off that surprise party was a real coup!