Crossword Genius

Seized possession of American University Marxist assuming power (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

usurped

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'seized possession' is the definition.
'usurped' can be an answer for 'seized'. I am not certain of the 'possession' bit.

'american university marxist assuming power' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'us' (abbreviation for United States).
'university' becomes 'U' (abbreviation for university).
'marxist' becomes 'red' (red can mean a revolutionary).
'assuming' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters are taken in or assumed).
'power' becomes 'p' (symbol in physics).
'red' going around 'p' is 'rped'.
'us'+'u'+'rped'='USURPED'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for usurped that I've seen before include "Took control (by force)" , "Took power illegally" , "Seized and took control" , "Seized power illegally" , "Took power or position wrongfully" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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