The exact spelling of the term is military coup.
A military coup refers to the sudden, often violent, and illegal overthrow of an existing government by a small group within the military or armed forces. The word "coup" is a shortened form of the French term "coup d'état," which literally translates to "stroke of state" or "blow to the state."
Breaking Down the Spelling
The phrase "military coup" consists of two distinct words:
- Military: M-I-L-I-T-A-R-Y
- Coup: C-O-U-P
It is important to note the silent "p" at the end of "coup," which can sometimes lead to confusion regarding its spelling. The pronunciation of "coup" rhymes with "loop" or "soup."
Understanding the Context of "Military Coup"
The term describes a specific political event where a nation's armed forces or a faction within them seizes political power. This act is typically carried out quickly and often involves the arrest of government leaders and the suspension of constitutional rule.
Here are some examples illustrating the use of "military coup" in sentences:
- Construction stopped abruptly in 1955 with a military coup.
- This triggered a cycle of military coups and economic unrest.
- He was arrested for possessing banners and posters opposing the military coup.
For more detailed definitions and usage examples, you can consult authoritative English dictionaries like the Collins Dictionary.
