usurpation
Americannoun
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an act of usurping; wrongful or illegal encroachment, infringement, or seizure.
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illegal seizure and occupation of a throne.
Other Word Forms
- usurpative adjective
- usurpatory adjective
Etymology
Origin of usurpation
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Domestically, opposition politicians chanted the traditional laments about executive usurpation and congressional war powers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026
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 • Sep. 12, 2024
Although she was an intelligent and competent ruler, the founding of her own dynasty and the adoption of imperial titles felt to many like usurpation.
From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023
“This case centers on Mr. Woodward’s systematic usurpation, manipulation and exploitation of audio of President Trump gathered in connection with a series of interviews conducted by Mr. Woodward,” the lawsuit states.
From Washington Times • Jan. 30, 2023
The prelates of the infected provinces, indignant at the usurpation of their rights, were less disposed than ever to second the efforts of the legates.
From A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume I by Lea, Henry Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
