From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
arrogate
v 1: demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right
or title to; "He claimed his suitcases at the airline
counter"; "Mr. Smith claims special tax exemptions because
he is a foreign resident" [syn: claim, lay claim,
arrogate] [ant: forego, forfeit, forgo, give up,
throw overboard, waive]
2: make undue claims to having [syn: arrogate, assign]
3: seize and take control without authority and possibly with
force; take as one's right or possession; "He assumed to
himself the right to fill all positions in the town"; "he
usurped my rights"; "She seized control of the throne after
her husband died" [syn: assume, usurp, seize, take
over, arrogate]