From Coup de Grace to Coup d' Etat

1. Is it coup d état or coup de grâce?
2. What is the difference between coup and coup d état?
3. What is meant by coup d état?
4. What does coup de grâce translate to?

Is it coup d état or coup de grâce?

“Coup d'etat” is often shortened to coup and used to describe a take-over of power, as in “a military coup.” The p is silent. coup de grace /kudə ˈgrɑs/ noun. a blow by which one condemned or mortally wounded is quickly killed to be spared further suffering.

What is the difference between coup and coup d état?

Coup d'état means "a sudden attempt by a small group of people to take over the government usually through violence." But in its second sense, coup means "an impressive victory or achievement that usually is difficult or unexpected": It was a major coup when the team traded for the star pitcher.

What is meant by coup d état?

coup d'état, also called coup, the sudden, violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group. The chief prerequisite for a coup is control of all or part of the armed forces, the police, and other military elements.

What does coup de grâce translate to?

Borrowed from French coup de grâce (“finishing blow”). Originally referring to a merciful stroke putting a fatally wounded person out of misery or to the shot delivered to the head of a prisoner after facing a firing squad.