Arrogating

/ˈæɹ.ə.ɡeɪ.tɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Claiming or taking something (like authority or credit) for yourself without having the right to do so.

Etymology

From Latin 'arrogare' (ad- 'to' + rogare 'to ask'), meaning to claim for oneself. The -ing form indicates the present participle or gerund form of the verb arrogate, which evolved in English around the 1500s.

Kelly Says

Arrogating is what happens when someone assumes power they don't have—kings used to arrogate divine authority to justify their rule, claiming God personally chose them to lead.

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