Usurper

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"Usurp" redirects here. You might be also looking for Wikipedia:Changing username/Usurpations.

This article is about a person asserting official authority. For the computer game, see Usurper (game).

Look up usurper in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Usurper (lat. usurpare = to seize for use, to use) is a derogatory term used to describe either an illegitimate or controversial claimant to the throne in a monarchy, or a person who succeeds in establishing himself as a monarch without inheriting the throne, or any other person exercising authority unconstitutionally. It may also be applied to an official acting ultra vires, outside his authority or jurisdiction.

Some famous examples considered usurpers are Henry IV of England, Miguel of Portugal and Habibullah Ghazi of Afghanistan.