Synonyms

usurpation

American

[yoo-ser-pey-shuhn, -zer-] / ˌyu sərˈpeɪ ʃən, -zər- /

noun

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

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

Unfortunately, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Earl Derby, repudiated the annexation on the ground that it was a usurpation of the sovereign rights of the Imperial authorities.

From Our First Half-Century: A Review of Queensland Progress Based Upon Official Information by Queensland

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023