Putsch
Definition: a sudden attempt by a group to overthrow a government
It’s a German word, and it might come from an Old Germanic term for “blow” or “strike.”
The “u” sound is like “put” not “putt.”
Why I Looked It Up
From a book about history of the Koch family, after Bill tried to get his brother Charles removed from the board.
Charles had wanted to fire Bill that summer. The narrowly averted putsch confirmed to him that he shouldn’t have relented.
Update
Added on
In Faster, the word is used often to discuss German turmoil because of (and within) the Nazi party.
Update
Added on
In a NY Times article, I found this sub-headline:
Sunday’s riot lad bare a daunting threat to Brazilian democracy: Unlike past putsch attempts in Latin America, this one was driven by deeply rooted conspiracy theories.
Update
Added on
In Bookshops, I found a reference to Adolf Hitler as “a failed putschist.”