Basic Details
Word: Coup d'tat
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A sudden and illegal seizure of power from a government, typically by a small group or the military.
Synonyms: Overthrow, rebellion, insurrection, putsch
Antonyms: Election, democratic transition, peacekeeping, stability
Idioms and Phrases
- Stage a coup: To organize and carry out a coup d'tat. Example: "The rebels planned to stage a coup against the president."
- Bloodless coup: A takeover of power without violence. Example: "The country experienced a bloodless coup, with no casualties reported."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The army led a coup d'tat and took control of the country overnight.
Example 2: After the coup d'tat, the new regime dissolved the existing parliament.
Example 3: The coup d'tat was widely condemned by the international community.
Fun Fact
The term "coup d'tat" is French in origin and literally means "blow of state." It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the sudden removal of a government.
Famous Quote
"All successful revolutions are the kicking in of a rotten door." John Kenneth Galbraith (often used in discussions of coup d'tats)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "coup d'tat" mean?
a) A peaceful agreement
b) A sudden seizure of government power
c) A military treaty
d) A democratic election
Answer: b) A sudden seizure of government power
2. Which of these is a synonym of "coup d'tat"?
a) Stability
b) Overthrow
c) Election
d) Parliament
Answer: b) Overthrow
3. Which is an antonym of "coup d'tat"?
a) Rebellion
b) Insurrection
c) Election
d) Uprising
Answer: c) Election
4. Which sentence uses "coup d'tat" correctly?
a) They celebrated a peaceful coup d'tat with fireworks.
b) The government was strengthened by the coup d'tat.
c) The coup d'tat led to a complete change in leadership.
d) She coup d'tat her homework on time.
Answer: c) The coup d'tat led to a complete change in leadership.
5. What does the idiom "stage a coup" mean?
a) Organize a parade
b) Plan a party
c) Carry out a seizure of power
d) Construct a stage
Answer: c) Carry out a seizure of power
