Power grab Meaning in English
expression
ˈpaʊɝ/ /ˈɡɹæb
POW-er grab
pˈaʊɐ/ /ɡɹˈæb
POW-uh grab
Definition
A power grab is when someone tries to take control, usually in a forceful or unfair way, especially in politics or organizations.
Usage & Nuances
"Power grab" is usually negative and suggests trying to take control unethically. Often used with 'political' or to criticize leaders. Not literal; not used for physical power.
Spanish: toma de poder - apropiación de poderPortuguese (BR): apropriação de poder - tomada de poderPortuguese (PT): apropriação de poder - tomada de poderChinese (Simplified): 夺权 - 篡权Chinese (Traditional): 奪權 - 篡權Hindi: शक्ति हड़पना - सत्ता हथियानाArabic: استيلاء على السلطة - انتزاع السلطةBengali: ক্ষমতা দখল - ক্ষমতা হস্তগতকরণRussian: захват властиJapanese: 権力掌握 - 権力奪取Vietnamese: cuộc tranh giành quyền lựcKorean: 권력 장악 - 권력 탈취Turkish: güç gaspı - iktidar ele geçirmeUrdu: اقتدار پر قبضہ - طاقت پر قبضہIndonesian: perebutan kekuasaan
Example Sentences
The president's actions looked like a power grab.
basic
Many people feared a power grab by the military.
basic
The new law was criticized as a power grab.
basic
After the CEO was fired, there was a sudden power grab among top managers.
natural
What started as a reform soon turned into a power grab by a few leaders.
natural
People saw the emergency rules as nothing more than a power grab by the government.
natural