uti possidetis

[ yoo-tahy pos-i-dee-tis ]

nounInternational Law.

the principle that vests in either of the belligerents at the end of a war all territory actually occupied and controlled by them.

Origin of uti possidetis

From Latin utī possidētis literally, “as you possess, as you hold”

Words Nearby uti possidetis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use uti possidetis in a sentence

Nominally a truce for 25 years on the uti possidetis basis, Peace of Karlowitz.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 8 | Various
No uti possidetis conveys any legitimate title, except on the condition of wise administration and mutual benefit.
The Writings of James Russell Lowell in Prose and Poetry, Volume V | James Russell Lowell
The uti possidetis as regards territorial possession was recognized.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 | Various
Then, if this reasoning be true, why stipulate for the uti possidetis?
The Life of Albert Gallatin | Henry Adams
The two powers despatched a joint note to Great Britain inviting her to make peace, on the principle of uti possidetis.
The Political History of England - Vol XI | George Brodrick

British Dictionary definitions for uti possidetis

uti possidetis

/ (ˈjuːtaɪ ˌpɒsɪˈdiːtɪs) /

noun

international law the rule that territory and other property remains in the hands of the belligerent state actually in possession at the end of a war unless otherwise provided for by treaty

Origin of uti possidetis

from Latin, literally: as you possess

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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