assume, usurp, seize, take over, arrogate -- (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")
usurp -- (take the place of; "gloom had usurped mirth at the party after the news of the terrorist act broke")
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