Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » co-opt

co-opt

The definition of co-opt means to take something, especially some kind of power, that wasn't originally yours or that wasn't originally supposed to go to you.

(verb)

An example of co-opt is a person who gets himself elected to a homeowners association and rewrites the bylaws so he gives himself the freedom to make decisions without the rest of the board's approval.

See co-opt in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to add (a person or persons) to a group by vote of those already members
to appoint as an associate
to persuade or lure (an opponent) to join one's own system, party, etc.
to make use of for one's own purposes; take over or adopt

Origin: L cooptare, to choose, elect < co- (var. of com-), with + optare, to choose: see option

Also

Related Forms:

co-optation noun or co-option
co-optative adjective or co-optive

See co-opt in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb co-opt·ed, co-opt·ing, co-opts

To elect as a fellow member of a group.
To appoint summarily.
To take or assume for one's own use; appropriate: co-opted the criticism by embracing it.
To neutralize or win over (an independent minority, for example) through assimilation into an established group or culture: co-opt rebels by giving them positions of authority.

Origin:

Origin: Latin cooptāre

Origin: : co-, co-

Origin: + optāre, to choose

Related Forms: