co-opts
Absorbs for use
Co-opts means to absorb or take over something for one's own purposes.
A movement co-opts symbols or language from another group.
An organization co-opts potential critics by bringing them inside: The administration co-opts dissent by appointing vocal opponents to advisory boards.
The word often carries a note of appropriation—something authentic gets neutralized or exploited by a larger force.
Weakens or overthrows
- corruptsCauses moral decline
- underminesWeakens by stealth
- infiltratesEnters covertly, often undetected
- compromisesSettlements through mutual concession
influences · exploits · manipulates · turns · sways · buys off · neutralizes · defuses
Takes control authoritatively
- seizesTakes by force
- takes overAssumes another's position
- hijacksSeizes transport by force
- capturesTakes into custody
claims · grabs · annexes · arrogates · assumes · expropriates · requisitions · confiscates
Takes in fully
- incorporatesMakes part of whole
- integratesCombines into unified whole
- subsumesIncludes within larger category
- engulfsSwallows up completely
swallows · merges · recruits · enlists · converts · wins over · embraces · naturalizes
Organized public voting
- committeeAppointed group for duties
- movementChange in position
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
- dissentDisagreement with authority
resistance · rhetoric · narrative · agenda · platform · grassroots · activist · reform
subverts
Weakens or overthrows
- corruptsCauses moral decline
- underminesWeakens by stealth
- infiltratesEnters covertly, often undetected
compromises · influences · exploits · manipulates · turns · sways · buys off · neutralizes · defuses · placates
commandeers
Takes control authoritatively
- seizesTakes by force
- takes overAssumes another's position
- hijacksSeizes transport by force
captures · claims · grabs · annexes · arrogates · assumes · expropriates · requisitions · confiscates · usurps
absorbs
Takes in fully
- incorporatesMakes part of whole
- integratesCombines into unified whole
- subsumesIncludes within larger category
engulfs · swallows · merges · recruits · enlists · converts · wins over · embraces · naturalizes · onboards
election
Organized public voting
- committeeAppointed group for duties
- movementChange in position
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
dissent · resistance · rhetoric · narrative · agenda · platform · grassroots · activist · reform · revolution
co-optsempowers
Grants ability or authority
liberates · honors · credits · acknowledges · attributes