Basic Details
Word: Coup d'tat
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A sudden and often violent takeover of government power by a small group.
Synonyms: Overthrow, insurrection, rebellion
Antonyms: Stabilisation, continuation, support
Idioms and Phrases
- Coup de grce: A decisive blow or event, especially the finishing stroke in a difficult situation. Example: "The unexpected financial crisis was the coup de grce for the struggling company."
- Coup de thtre: A sudden or dramatic turn of events in a narrative. Example: "The play ended with a coup de thtre that left the audience in shock."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The coup d'tat resulted in the military taking over the country's leadership.
Example 2: After the successful coup d'tat, the new government promised to bring change.
Example 3: Many citizens were afraid that a coup d'tat would lead to more violence and instability.
Fun Fact
The term "coup d'tat" comes from French, where "coup" means "blow" and "tat" means "state". It literally translates to "blow against the state". The concept has been used throughout history in various countries to describe the abrupt seizure of power.
Famous Quote
"Revolution is when the masses rise up against the ruling elite, and a coup d'tat results in a few men seizing control." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "coup d'tat" mean?
a) A type of dance
b) A sudden takeover of government power
c) A peaceful protest
d) A kind of holiday
Answer: b) A sudden takeover of government power
2. Which of these is a synonym of "coup d'tat"?
a) Celebration
b) Overthrow
c) Agreement
d) Partnership
Answer: b) Overthrow
3. What is an antonym of "coup d'tat"?
a) Revolution
b) Violence
c) Stabilisation
d) Insurrection
Answer: c) Stabilisation
4. Which sentence uses "coup d'tat" correctly?
a) The coup d'tat was celebrated with fireworks in the streets.
b) A coup d'tat can happen when people agree on new leaders.
c) The coup d'tat changed the government overnight.
d) The coup d'tat was a peaceful event without any changes.
Answer: c) The coup d'tat changed the government overnight.
5. Which idiom refers to a sudden turn of events in a story?
a) Coup de grce
b) Coup de thtre
c) Coup d'tat
d) Coup de main
Answer: b) Coup de thtre
