noun
- a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government
- a notable or successful stroke or move
Usage: informal
Examples
- The military staged a coup against the elected government.
- The rebels attempted a coup but were quickly defeated.
- Getting that interview was quite a coup for the young journalist.
- The company’s acquisition of their main competitor was a major coup.
- The general led a successful coup and declared himself president.
- Landing the starring role in the movie was a real coup for her career.