usurpations
|u-sur-pa-tions|
🇺🇸
/ˌjuːzərˈpeɪʃənz/
🇬🇧
/ˌjuːzəˈpeɪʃ(ə)nz/
(usurpation)
illegal seizure
Etymology
'usurpation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'usurpātiō', from 'usurpare' meaning 'to seize for use'.
'usurpation' passed into Old French (as 'usurpacion') and Middle English (as 'usurpacioun'), eventually becoming the modern English 'usurpation'.
Initially it meant 'a seizure for use' (literally taking for one's use), but over time it evolved to mean 'an illegal or wrongful taking, especially of power or rights'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'usurpation'.
The constitution could not prevent the usurpations of power that followed.
Synonyms
Noun 2
wrongful or illegal takings/seizures (especially of power, rights, or office); acts of usurping.
Repeated usurpations of authority by local commanders undermined civilian rule.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 20:25