Explanation
"Coup d'état" is a French term that refers to an abrupt and often violent overthrow of a government, usually by a small group of people, such as military officers or a political faction. It involves an unconstitutional seizure of power by force or threat of force, often resulting in the removal or assassination of the existing government leaders.
A coup d'état is an illegal and undemocratic way of changing a government, and it often leads to instability and violence in the affected country. The term is commonly used in political and military contexts to describe the overthrow of a government.
Therefore, option C, "An abrupt change of government by force," is the correct meaning of "coup d'état."
Option A, "Attack on a country," is not an accurate definition of the term, as a coup d'état involves an attack on a government, not necessarily a country.
Option B, "Formation of new government," is not an accurate definition, as a coup d'état involves the illegal and undemocratic seizure of power, not the formation of a new government through legal and democratic means.
Option D, "A sudden change of government," is close to the correct definition but does not capture the idea that a coup d'état is an illegal and undemocratic way of changing a government.