Coup d'état

A coup d'état (pronounced [ˌku.de.ˈta]), or just coup ([ˈku]) for short, is the removal of a head of state and/or a head of government from power (overthrow). Unlike a revolution in which large numbers of people usually take over, a coup can be done by a small number of people. Even one person can cause a coup, such as Idi Amin for example, who controlled the Ugandan Army. Coups can also be organized by other countries, such as the 1953 Iranian coup d'état.

One well-known failed coup was the Beer Hall Putsch in which Adolf Hitler tried to take over the government of Bavaria, a state in Germany. Other failed coups include the 20 July Plot against Hitler and the Gunpowder Plot against King James VI and I of Scotland and England.

The term comes from the French for "a (sudden) blow (or strike) to a state".

Informally, coup is sometimes used to refer to takeovers or wins, in places other than government such as in a company or corporation.