Definition

A person who takes part in a sudden and often violent attempt to overthrow a government.

Example

The putschist led a group of rebels in an attempt to seize power from the current regime.

Conversation

Did you hear about the putschist who tried to take over the government last week?

Yeah, it was all over the news!

It’s crazy how someone could actually think they could succeed as a putschist.

Right? People really underestimate the consequences of those actions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Putschist → The word 'putsch' comes from the German 'Putsch', meaning a sudden attempt to overthrow a government, and the suffix '-ist' (meaning a person who). A 'putschist' is therefore a person who participates in or supports a coup or overthrow of authority.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'putsch' as a sudden overthrow and '-ist' as someone who does something. So, a putschist is someone who engages in a sudden attempt to take control.

Visually Confused Words