coup

[US]/kuː/
[UK]/kuː/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.
vt. to overturn; to tilt.
vi. to collapse; to lean; to overflow.

Phrases & Collocations

military coup

stage a coup

coup d'état

lead a coup

coup de grace

Example Sentences

The military staged a coup to overthrow the government.

The coup attempt was unsuccessful.

The rebels planned a coup against the oppressive regime.

The coup leaders seized control of the capital.

The coup d'état resulted in widespread chaos.

The coup was met with strong opposition from the international community.

The coup plotters were arrested before they could execute their plan.

The president narrowly escaped assassination during the coup.

The coup brought an end to the decades-long dictatorship.

The coup was condemned as a violation of democratic principles.

Real-world Examples

He has been in power since 1990 when he orchestrated a military coup.

Source: BBC Listening Compilation April 2016

" That in itself is a coup, " he said.

Source: VOA Special April 2021 Collection

He accused the opposition of trying to mount a coup.

Source: BBC Listening Collection December 2017

Niger's government has seen multiple coups since the 1990s.

Source: CNN Selected October 2017 Collection

The protesters alleged that Congress had staged a parliamentary coup.

Source: AP Listening Collection November 2020

Guaido's ambassador in Washington says it's not a military coup.

Source: CNN 10 Student English May 2019 Collection

A Venezuelan government official also said it wasn't a military coup.

Source: CNN 10 Student English May 2019 Collection

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes a coup maybe in the works.

Source: CNN Listening Compilation December 2021

It said Monday's coup was unconstitutional.

Source: BBC Listening Collection October 2021

Now, that would really have been a real coup if that occurred.

Source: Daily English Listening | Bilingual Intensive Reading

Popular Words

Explore frequently searched vocabulary

Download App to Unlock Full Content

Want to learn vocabulary more efficiently? Download the DictoGo app and enjoy more vocabulary memorization and review features!

Download DictoGo Now