Online Google Dictionary

coup d etat wordnet sense
  1. A coup d'état (plural: coups d'état)—also known as a coup, putsch, and overthrow—is the sudden unconstitutional deposition of a government, usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to replace the deposed government with another body; either civil or ...
  2. A sudden and decisive change in government illegally or by force;  Term used by Julian 5th when asking Ko-tah’s spies about the plot against Sagroth.   [MMa]
  3. The acting of overthrowing a government in favor of another, usually through violent means.