usurp

Verb

• take the place of
  • gloom had usurped mirth at the party after the news of the terrorist act broke
    

• 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
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  assume , seize , take over , arrogate