co-optation — The act of absorbing or assimilating a person, group, or idea (especially one that was originally opposed) into a larger system in order to neutralize resistance and gain control.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: The act of absorbing or assimilating a person, group, or idea (especially one that was originally opposed) into a larger system in order to neutralize resistance and gain control.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkoʊ.ɑːpˈteɪʃən/
Example Sentences
- The government's co-optation of protest leaders through cushy job offers quickly ended the demonstrations.
- My rebellious teenager's co-optation was complete the moment we gave him Wi-Fi password privileges.
- Critics argue that the brand's co-optation of street art has stripped it of its original rebellious meaning.
co-optation
NOUN[/ˌkoʊ.ɑːpˈteɪʃən/]
The act of absorbing or assimilating a person, group, or idea (especially one that was originally opposed) into a larger system in order to neutralize resistance and gain control.
The rebel leader accepted a cabinet seat — a classic co-optation of the opposition.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin cooptare, meaning 'to choose together' or 'to elect as a colleague', later evolving to mean absorbing opposition into a group.
Breakdown
co- (together) + opt- (to choose, from Latin optare) + -ation (act/process noun suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The government's co-optation of protest leaders through cushy job offers quickly ended the demonstrations.”
“My rebellious teenager's co-optation was complete the moment we gave him Wi-Fi password privileges.”
“Critics argue that the brand's co-optation of street art has stripped it of its original rebellious meaning.”
“The cat's co-optation of my office chair happened so gradually I didn't notice until it was 'his' chair.”
📚Related Words
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