Putsch
/pʊtʃ/noun
A violent attempt to overthrow a government.
Did you know?The term 'putsch' originates from Swiss German, specifically used in the context of a sudden, often secretive coup d'état, reflecting the tumultuous political climate of 19th-century Europe.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-West Germanic
PWG
*putskō
“to push or thrust, indicating sudden movement.”
Old High German
OHG
puzza
“a sudden push or shove.”
Middle High German
MHG
puzzen
“to thrust or push, often used in a political context.”
19th Century
Swiss German
putsch
“a sudden, violent attempt to overthrow the government.”
Modern English
English
putsch
“an attempted coup, particularly in a political or military context.”