usurpation

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

/ ˌyu sərˈpeɪ ʃən, -zər- /

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See synonyms for: usurpation / usurpations on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

illegal seizure and occupation of a throne.

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Origin of usurpation

1350–1400; Middle English <Latin ūsūrpātiōn- (stem of ūsūrpātiō), equivalent to ūsūrpāt(us) (past participle of ūsūrpāre to usurp) + -iōn--ion

u·sur·pa·tive

[yoo-sur-puh-tiv, ‐zur‐], /yuˈsɜr pə tɪv, ‐ˈzɜr‐/, u·sur·pa·to·ry

[yoo-sur-puh-tawr-ee, ‐tohr-ee, ‐zur‐], /yuˈsɜr pəˌtɔr i, ‐ˌtoʊr i, ‐ˈzɜr‐/, adjective

And he used it to stand for equality and opportunity and against an unjust war and unconstitutional usurpations.
Remembering Robert Byrd|Paul Begala|June 28, 2010|DAILY BEAST
He attacked the usurpations of Robespierre and the machinations of the Jacobins, by which he fell.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
Much has been said in recent years regarding Executive usurpations.
Proceedings of the Second National Conservation Congress|Various
In proportion to the enormity of the violences and usurpations, were augmented the pretences of sanctity, among those regicides.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part E.|David Hume

He at once denounced the usurpations of the Commons, and brought in a bill to declare them illegal.
History of the English People, Volume VIII (of 8)|John Richard Green
It is in case of usurpations only Virginia claims that it is a duty and right to interpose to redress this evil.
Nullification, Secession Webster's Argument and the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions|Caleb William Loring