Word

coup

noun C1

UK /kuː/

US /ku/

Meanings

noun

A sudden, illegal seizure of government power, often by the military or a small group.

noun

A surprisingly successful action or achievement, especially one that brings admiration.

Definition

A coup is a sudden, illegal takeover of a government, usually carried out by a small group such as the military.

A coup is an abrupt change of power in which a government is removed without following legal or democratic processes. It is often planned by military leaders or other powerful insiders and happens quickly. In news and politics, the word usually implies force, coercion, or the threat of violence.

Examples

After weeks of unrest, the generals launched a coup and suspended the parliament overnight.
You can call it a coup for the campaign team, because they secured a high-profile endorsement at the last minute.
He feared a coup within his own party when key allies began meeting privately without him.
The ambassador condemned the coup and urged leaders to restore civilian rule immediately.

Common mistake

Learners often mispronounce coup as /kaʊp/ or /kʌp/, but it is pronounced /kuː/ like “coo.”