co-opt

co-opt [kō äpt′, kō′äpt΄]

vt.

〚L cooptare, to choose, elect < co- (var. of com-), with + optare, to choose: see OPTION〛

1. to add (a person or persons) to a group by vote of those already members

2. to appoint as an associate

3. to persuade or lure (an opponent) to join one's own system, party, etc.

4. to make use of for one's own purposes; take over or adopt: Also co-öpt

co-optation

n.

co-option

co-optative [kō äpt′tə tiv]

adj.

co-optive

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co-opt (kō-ŏptʹ, kōʹŏpt') tr.v. co-·opt·ed, co-·opt·ing, co-·opts

1. To elect as a fellow member of a group.

2. To appoint summarily.

3. To take or assume for one's own use; appropriate:

co-opted the criticism by embracing it.

4. To neutralize or win over (an independent minority, for example) through assimilation into an established group or culture:

co-opt rebels by giving them positions of authority.

  [Latin cooptāre: co-, co- + optāre, to choose.]   co'-op·taʹtion n. co-opʹta·tive (-tə-tĭv) adj. co-opʹtion (-ŏpʹshən) n. co-opʹtive adj.

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