A coup d'etat is an abrupt and often violent overthrow of a government or ruler by a small group of people. There are several other phrases that can be used to describe this type of political upheaval. One is a putsch, which is a German term that refers to a sudden attempt to seize power. Another synonym for coup d'etat is a revolution, which is a more gradual and widespread shift in political power. A rebellion is another term that can be used to describe an attempt to overthrow a government or ruling authority. Finally, an insurrection is a term that refers to a violent uprising against an established government or political system. Regardless of the terminology used, each one describes a sudden and dramatic change in political power.