coopts

Coopts is the third-person singular present tense of the verb co-opt, meaning to appoint or recruit someone into a group, sometimes by absorbing them into its structure or agenda. It can also refer to the act of appropriating ideas, symbols, or movements for a new purpose, often to gain legitimacy or support.

The term derives from co- (together) and opt (to choose). Historically used to describe selecting members for a committee or board without a vote, co-option now covers broader forms of incorporation, including informal alignment or strategic concessions. Co-opting can occur through formal appointment, negotiation, or the assimilation of external actors into a current project.

In politics, a party or government may co-opt a dissident faction or an outsider group to broaden appeal or neutralize opposition. In business, boards may co-opt a shareholder or expert to secure expertise or quell dissent. In social movements, mainstream organizations may co-opt slogans, tactics, or identities to appeal to a wider audience. In culture and branding, companies may co-opt trends or symbols to signal relevance.

Critics caution that co-option can dilute or delegitimize original goals, soften dissent, or remove autonomy, while proponents argue that it can reduce conflict and improve governance by integrating diverse perspectives. The noun forms are co-option or co-optation, and related terms include appropriation, assimilation, and recruitment.