usurpation
Americannoun
-
an act of usurping; wrongful or illegal encroachment, infringement, or seizure.
-
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
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Grade 11, List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Declaration of Independence," Vocabulary from the historical document
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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
“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
These Austrian Grand Dukes were decidedly better rulers than the Medici, to whom, by an imperial usurpation, they succeeded on the death of Gian Gastone.
From The Story of Florence by Gardner, Edmund G.
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.
