arrogare

Arrogare is a French verb meaning to arrogate, to claim or assume for oneself a right, privilege, or power without justification or rightful authority. It can refer to the act of taking what does not belong to one, or to the attitude of presumptively asserting such prerogatives. The term is commonly used in legal, political, or critical contexts to condemn overreach or an excessive assertion of powers. The reflexive form s'arroger is used when the subject claims the right for itself: s'arroger le droit de décider. The non-reflexive form arrogER is used with a direct object: arrrrogER un droit, arrrrogER des pouvoirs.

Etymology: Arrogare derives from Latin arrogāre, meaning to claim for oneself. It entered French via Old French arroguer or arrogier, and later influenced the English verb arrogate.

Usage notes: The act is generally negative, implying illegitimacy or excessive ambition. It contrasts with legitimate delegation or conferment of powers. The noun arrogation denotes the act or the instance of arrogating, while the adjective form can describe a person or action as presumptively claiming rights.

Examples: Le conseil s'est arrogé le droit de modifier les règles. This sentence illustrates the act of arrogating a right. L’arrogation de pouvoirs est souvent discutée dans les débats sur l’autorité exécutive.

See also: usurpation, appropriation, s'arroger le droit, arrogation.