coopting
Appropriating for oneself
Coopting is bringing someone or something into your group or system, often by absorbing potential opposition.
A political party coopts rivals by offering them positions.
A corporation coopts critics by hiring them.
The word carries a hint of strategic absorption—neutralizing a threat by incorporating it: The movement was coopted by mainstream politicians who diluted its message.
Absorb and incorporate fully
- absorbTake in fully
- incorporateAbsorb into something larger
- integrateCombine into unified whole
- subsumeAbsorb into broader category
engulf · annex · appropriate · embrace · enculturation · naturalize · amalgamate · merge
Notable act or abuse
- hijackSeize a moving vehicle
- subvertSecretly weaken authority
- commandeerSeize for official purposes
- usurpSeize without right
manipulate · leverage · infiltrate · undermine · seize · capture · twist · distort
Skillful directional control
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- outflankingAttacking from the side
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
neutralization · containment · networking · partnership · collaboration · synergy · positioning · calculation
Advocating to decision-makers
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- campaigningActively pursuing political support
- gerrymanderingManipulating electoral boundaries strategically
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
cronyism · nepotism · partisanship · infiltration · astroturfing · backroom · dealmaking · coalition-building
assimilate
Absorb and incorporate fully
- absorbTake in fully
- incorporateAbsorb into something larger
- integrateCombine into unified whole
subsume · engulf · annex · appropriate · embrace · enculturation · naturalize · amalgamate · merge · blend
exploit
Notable act or abuse
- hijackSeize a moving vehicle
- subvertSecretly weaken authority
- commandeerSeize for official purposes
usurp · manipulate · leverage · infiltrate · undermine · seize · capture · twist · distort · pervert
maneuvering
Skillful directional control
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- outflankingAttacking from the side
preemption · neutralization · containment · networking · partnership · collaboration · synergy · positioning · calculation · gambit
lobbying
Advocating to decision-makers
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- campaigningActively pursuing political support
- gerrymanderingManipulating electoral boundaries strategically
patronage · cronyism · nepotism · partisanship · infiltration · astroturfing · backroom · dealmaking · coalition-building · bipartisanship
sway
Rock back and forth
convert · seduce · entice · charm · court · woo · cultivate · groom · induce · tempt
cooptingempowering
Giving authority or confidence
amplifying · uplifting · supporting · enabling · strengthening