co-opt meaning and definition

CO-OPT verb

Definition of co-opt (verb)

1. choose or elect as a fellow member or colleague
   • "The church members co-opted individuals from similar backgrounds to replenish the congregation"
2. neutralize or win over through assimilation into an established group
   • "We co-opted the independent minority tribes by pulling them into the Northern Alliance"
3. appoint summarily or commandeer
   • "The army tried to co-opt peasants into civil defence groups"
4. take or assume for one's own use
   • "He co-opted the criticism and embraced it"