The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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arrogate

verb

/ˈarəɡeɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of arrogate

To take or claim something without justification or permission, often with a sense of entitlement or superiority.
"The company attempted to arrogate the intellectual property of its employees."

Detailed meaning of arrogate

It is a verb that is usually associated with acts of seizing authority, power, or privileges that are not rightfully one's own. When someone arrogates something, they are essentially taking it upon themselves to have control over it or to claim it as their own without any legitimate reason to do so. The act of arrogating can be seen as both disrespectful and illegitimate, especially when it involves taking something that belongs to someone else or infringing on the rights or privileges of others. In short, to arrogate is to assert oneself unjustly and without any right or authority.

Example sentences containing arrogate

1. Some politicians arrogate power without considering the consequences.
2. It is wrong to arrogate someone's ideas without giving them credit.
3. Leaders should not arrogate authority that has not been granted to them.
4. In the novel, the protagonist attempts to arrogate control over the family business.
5. It is important to speak up when someone tries to arrogate your accomplishments.
6. The military general decided to arrogate command from the president.

History and etymology of arrogate

The verb 'arrogate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from 'arrogatus,' the past participle of 'arrogare,' where 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward,' and 'rogare' means 'to ask' or 'to request.' It entered the English language in the 16th century. 'Arrogate' means to take or claim something without justification or permission, often with a sense of entitlement or superiority. The etymology of 'arrogate' effectively conveys the idea of taking something toward oneself, emphasizing the act of making unwarranted claims or assertions of authority. Whether used in the context of arrogating power, arrogating credit, or arrogating privileges, this term underscores the sense of self-assuredness or presumption that accompanies the unjustified appropriation of something.

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Further usage examples of arrogate

1. Many empires in history have sought to arrogate territory from neighboring nations.
2. The teacher made it clear that no student should arrogate the role of the leader during group projects.
3. The company's CEO was accused of trying to arrogate more power than was sanctioned by the board.
4. It is unwise to arrogate responsibilities that one is not equipped to handle.
5. The rebel leader sought to arrogate power from the reigning monarch.
6. It is unethical for a person to arrogate credit for another person's hard work.
7. The manager tried to arrogate all the decision-making power to herself.
8. During the crisis, the president had to arrogate certain powers to maintain order.
9. The activist group accused the government of trying to arrogate land from indigenous communities.
10. The dictator's attempt to arrogate all power led to a rebellion.
11. The mayor had to arrogate control of the situation to prevent further chaos.
12. The coach had to arrogate the role of team captain after the existing captain was injured.
13. It is important to not arrogate privileges that have not been granted to you.
14. The scientist was accused of trying to arrogate the findings of his colleagues.