Agency Dictionary
usurpation
nounPronunciation: /ˌjuː.zɜːˈpeɪ.ʃən/
In Portuguese: usurpação
History & Civilizations
Society & PoliticsWhat does “usurpation” mean?
The wrongful seizure of sovereign power or throne through rebellion, military coup, or assassination without legal right.
Etymology
From Middle English usurpacioun, from Old French usurpacion, from Latin usurpatio, 'seizing for use,' from usurpare ('to seize for use, to claim'). The word came to name the illegal seizure of a throne or sovereign power.
Synonyms
- seizure
- coup
- takeover
- appropriation
Word family
- usurp
- usurper
Rhymes with
- occupation
- foundation
- formation
- sensation
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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