USURPATION

usurpation

(noun) wrongfully seizing and holding (an office or powers) by force (especially the seizure of a throne or supreme authority); “a succession of generals who ruled by usurpation”

trespass, encroachment, violation, intrusion, usurpation

(noun) entry to another’s property without right or permission

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

usurpation (countable and uncountable, plural usurpations)

The wrongful seizure of something by force, especially of sovereignty or other authority.

Trespass onto another's property without permission.

A taking or use without right.

Source: Wiktionary


U`sur*pa"tion, n. Etym: [L. usurpatio making use, usurpation: cf. F. usurpation.]

1. The act of usurping, or of seizing and enjoying; an authorized, arbitrary assumption and exercise of power, especially an infringing on the rights of others; specifically, the illegal seizure of sovereign power; -- commonly used with of, also used with on or upon; as, the usurpation of a throne; the usurpation of the supreme power.

He contrived their destruction, with the usurpation of the regal dignity upon him. Sir T. More. A law [of a State] which is a usurpation upon the general government. O. Ellsworth. Manifest usurpation on the rights of other States. D. Webster.

Note: Usurpation, in a peculiar sense, formerly denoted the absolute ouster and dispossession of the patron of a church, by a stranger presenting a clerk to a vacant benefice, who us thereupon admitted and instituted.

2. Use; usage; custom. [Obs.] Bp. Pearson.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

1 January 2025

SOLICITOUSLY

(adverb) in a concerned and solicitous manner; “‘Don’t you feel well?’ his mother asked solicitously”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not technically beans. They are referred to as such because of their resemblance to legumes. A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit, often referred to as a cherry. Just like ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is also a so-called stone fruit.

coffee icon