C1nounpoliticsconflict
US/kuː/
UK/kuː/
a sudden, illegal attempt by a small group, often the army, to take control of a government
In context
The army seized power in a coup and closed the parliament.
The coup failed because most soldiers refused to take part.
Signing the famous player was a real coup for the small club.
Words that go with coup
adjective + noun
- military coupThe country has had three military coups since independence.
- failed coupThousands were arrested after the failed coup.
verb + noun
- stage a coupA group of officers tried to stage a coup last year.
noun + noun
- coup attemptThe coup attempt lasted less than a day.
- coup leaderThe coup leader promised elections within a year.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
/kuːp/Correct: /kuː/