usurpation

[yoo-ser-pey-shuhn, -zer-]

noun

1. an act of usurping; wrongful or illegal encroachment, infringement, or seizure.

2. illegal seizure and occupation of a throne.

Other Word Forms

• usurpative adjective
• usurpatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of usurpation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin ūsūrpātiōn-, stem of ūsūrpātiō “a seizing for use,” equivalent to ūsūrpāt(us) “seized for use” (past participle of ūsūrpāre; usurp ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Both the elder Bush and Reagan were implicated in the Iran-Contra scandal, which was a direct usurpation of congressional authority.

From Salon

Opposition candidate González fled to Spain on Saturday after being accused of "serious crimes" including the "usurpation" of public duties, document falsification, instigation of disobedience and system sabotage.

From BBC

He is accused of "serious crimes" including the "usurpation" of public duties, document falsification, instigation of disobedience and system sabotage, according to the public prosecutor.

From BBC

Among the crimes prosecutors plan to pursue against Arévalo and others in the new case are aggravated usurpation, sedition and illegal association.

From Washington Times

“The day that enemies usurp part of Muslim land, jihad becomes the individual duty of every Muslim. In face of the Jews’ usurpation of Palestine, it is compulsory that the banner of Jihad be raised.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• annexation 
• confiscation