A
coup d'état ( ; , literally "blow of state"; plural:
coups d'état, pronounced like the singular form), also known simply as a
coup , or an
overthrow, is the sudden and illegal seizure of a
state, usually instigated by a small group of the existing government establishment to depose the established regime and replace it with a new ruling body. A coup d'état is considered successful when the
usurpers establish their dominance and
legitimacy. If a coup fails, a
civil war may ensue.