ˈæɹəɡeɪt əˈsaɪn əˈsuːm kleɪm siːz juˈsɝp juːˈzɜːp seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town he usurped my rights She seized control of the throne after her husband died demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to He claimed his suitcases at the airline counter Mr. Smith claims special tax exemptions because he is a foreign resident make undue claims to having