bemäktar

Bemäktar is a Swedish verb meaning to take possession of something or to appropriate it, and to establish control over an object, right, territory, or institution. It is often used in contexts where power or authority is asserted, sometimes in ways perceived as coercive or illegitimate. The reflexive form bemäktar sig is common when the act is taken for oneself, as in bemäktar sig makten (takes possession of power).

In use, bemäktar can describe both the acquisition of tangible property and the acquisition of abstract rights or status. The present tense form bemäktar is typically paired with sig in the common expression bemäktar sig, though the verb can appear without the reflexive pronoun in certain contexts when the object of possession is explicit.

Etymologically, bemäktar derives from bemäktiga, which combines a be- prefix with the root related to makt, meaning power. Cognate forms exist in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish bemægtige and Norwegian bemektige, reflecting shared Germanic roots.

Usage notes emphasize the nuance: bemäktar often carries political, historical, or critical connotations, implying assertion of control that may be contested or unlawful. In more neutral or descriptive language, alternatives such as ta kontroll över (take control of), ockupera (occupy), or skaffa sig (acquire) can be used depending on tone and context.