Pronunciation: [kə͡ʊˈɒpt] (IPA) 
The word "Coopt" is a verb that means "to co-opt" or "to bring someone into a group or organization without their consent". It is spelled with double Os and a silent P. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Coopt" is /kuːpt/. The long "oo" sound helps differentiate it from "copt", which has a short "o" sound. The silent "p" is not pronounced, but serves to differentiate "Coopt" from "coot", which has a different meaning.
Coopt is a verb that refers to the act of bringing someone or something into a group or organization, typically without their consent, in order to gain control or influence over them. This term is often used in the context of politics or business.
When someone coopts an individual or entity, they aim to assimilate or incorporate them into their own group for their own advantage or benefit. This can be achieved by offering incentives or making promises to gain their cooperation or loyalty. It is important to note that this process usually involves taking control or manipulating the target's actions or decision-making process, potentially disregarding their original goals or ideas.
In politics, cooptation may occur when a dominant political party tries to neutralize or incorporate opposition parties or individuals by offering them positions or benefits within the ruling party. This strategy helps maintain the status quo and prevents opposition from gaining momentum.
Similarly, in the business world, coopting can take place when a larger company absorbs or takes over a smaller one, assimilating its resources, employees, or market share.
The term "coopt" can also be used when referring to the appropriation or adoption of ideas, practices, or cultural elements from one group by another, typically a dominant one. This can be seen as an attempt to dilute or neutralize the original group's identity or message.
Overall, cooptation is a process of bringing someone or something under one's control or influence, often achieved through persuasive tactics and sometimes against their own will or consent.
The word "coopt" is derived from the Latin word "cooptare", which means "to choose or elect as a colleague". It is formed by combining the prefix "co-" (meaning "together" or "jointly") and the verb "optare" (meaning "to choose"). "Coopt" entered the English language in the mid-17th century, primarily through its usage in legal and political contexts. It refers to the act of appointing or selecting someone to a position, often without their prior consent or agreement, in order to obtain their support or input.
