arrogate
UK: /ˈærəɡeɪt/ | US: /ˈɛrəˌɡeɪt/
vt. to claim or seize without justification
vt. to ascribe or assign unjustly (often used with "to oneself")
arrogate = ar<to, toward> + rog<ask, propose> + ate<verb suffix>
- ar (from Latin ad-, meaning "to, toward")
- rog (from Latin rogare, meaning "to ask, propose")
- ate (Latin verb-forming suffix indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "arrogate" originates from Latin arrogare ("to claim for oneself"), combining ad- (toward) and rogare (to ask). It originally described the act of demanding something unjustly, often authority or rights, and evolved into its modern sense of seizing or assigning without proper justification. The root rog appears in related words like "interrogate" (to question) and "prerogative" (a prior right).
The dictator arrogated absolute power to himself.
She arrogated the credit for the project, ignoring her team's contributions.
It is unethical to arrogate authority you haven’t earned.
The law prevents officials from arrogating privileges beyond their mandate.
He arrogated the title of "expert" despite his lack of experience.