usurpation

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

noun

1. an act of usurping; wrongful or illegal encroachment, infringement, or seizure.
2. illegal seizure and occupation of a throne.

Other Words From

• u·sur·pa·tive [yoo-, sur, -p, uh, -tiv, ‑-, zur, ‑], u·sur·pa·to·ry [yoo-, sur, -p, uh, -tawr-ee, ‑-tohr-ee, ‑-, zur, ‑], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of usurpation¹

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

Related Words

• annexation
• confiscation