Usurpation

//ˌjuː.sə(ɹ)ˈpeɪ.ʃən// noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The wrongful seizure of something by force, especially of sovereignty or other authority. countable, uncountable

    "The third part of practice hath divers branches, but one principal root in these our times, which is the vast and overspreading ambition and usurpation of the see of Rome; […]"

  2. 2
    wrongfully seizing and holding (an office or powers) by force (especially the seizure of a throne or supreme authority) wordnet
  3. 3
    Trespass onto another's property without permission. countable, uncountable
  4. 4
    entry to another's property without right or permission wordnet
  5. 5
    A taking or use without right. countable, uncountable

Synonyms

All synonyms
arrogationtrespassaccessionadoptionanointinganointment

Example

More examples

"In short, the Anarchist tendency is a necessity of progress, a protest against usurpation, privilege, and injustice."

Etymology

From Middle English usurpacioun, from Old French usurpacion, from Latin ūsurpātiō; equivalent to usurp + -ation.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.