The correct spelling of the phrase "army takeover" is /ɑːrm.i teɪk.əʊvə(r)/. The first syllable is pronounced with the "ah" sound, followed by an "r" and "m" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, followed by a "k" sound, and an "oh-uhv-uh" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with an "er" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription provides a helpful guide in understanding the pronunciation and spelling of often complex phrases like "army takeover."
An army takeover refers to a situation in which the military of a country assumes control over the functioning of the government, either by force or coercion, with the aim of usurping political power. This term is often used to describe a coup d'état or a military coup, wherein the armed forces subvert the constitutional order and seize government authority. The process typically involves a faction within the military, usually high-ranking officers, orchestrating a swift and decisive action to remove the current political leadership from power.
During an army takeover, the military assumes various functions of governance, such as suspending civil liberties, imposing curfews or martial law, dissolving legislative bodies, and suppressing opposition or dissent. The military junta, formed by the top-ranking officers leading the coup, establishes direct control over executive and legislative powers, effectively becoming the de facto governing authority.
While army takeovers can be motivated by a range of reasons, including concerns over corruption, political instability, or national security threats, they often result in the erosion of democratic norms and human rights. International organizations and some governments usually view army takeovers as undemocratic and illegitimate, often imposing sanctions or diplomatic pressure on the usurpers to restore power to civilian authorities.
Key to understanding an army takeover is the centrality of military force and its imposition to assert control over the political structures of a nation, contrasting with peaceful transitions of power typically seen in democratic systems.
The word "army takeover" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two separate words: "army" and "takeover".
"Army" is derived from the Middle English word "armee", which came from the Old French word "armee" meaning "armed forces". This, in turn, originated from the Latin word "arma" meaning "arms" or "weapons".
"Takeover" is a compound word combining "take" and "over". The word "take" has various origins, including the Old English word "tacan", which means "to grasp or seize", and the Middle English word "taken", which means "to acquire or capture". The word "over" comes from the Old English word "ofer", meaning "above" or "across".