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
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; see usurp) + -iō -ion
Explanation
Usurpation means taking someone's power or property by force. Locking the teacher outside of the classroom and taking charge of math class is a form of usurpation. It may help to remember the word use when thinking of usurpation, which is what happens when you take someone's power or belongings and use them for yourself. When Shakespeare's Macbeth kills King Duncan and replaces him by usurping the throne, that is an act of usurpation. Stealing a person's personal information in order to open up a credit account in his name also counts as usurpation.
Vocabulary lists containing usurpation
The Declaration of Independence
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Grade 11, List 3
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"The Declaration of Independence," Vocabulary from the historical document
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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
Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch voiced his concerns about the usurpation of Congressional powers.
From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2025
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
But she had not long to endure his usurpation of the seat of her husband, whose regal title she believed him to have refused solely from fear of the army.
From Henrietta Maria by Henrietta Haynes
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.
