'Usurpation' definitions:
Definition of 'usurpation'
From: WordNet
noun
Entry to another's property without right or permission [syn: trespass, encroachment, violation, intrusion, 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"
Definition of 'Usurpation'
From: GCIDE
- Usurpation \U`sur*pa"tion\, n. [L. usurpatio ? making use, usurpation: cf. F. usurpation.] [1913 Webster]
- 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. [1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]
- He contrived their destruction, with the usurpation of the regal dignity upon him. --Sir T. More. [1913 Webster]
- A law [of a State] which is a usurpation upon the general government. --O. Ellsworth. [1913 Webster]
- Manifest usurpation on the rights of other States. --D. Webster. [1913 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. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Use; usage; custom. [Obs.] --Bp. Pearson. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'usurpation'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- accession,
- adoption,
- anointing,
- anointment,
- appointment,
- appropriation,
- arrogation,
- assignment,
- assumption,
- authorization,
- colonization,
- conquest,
- consecration,
- coronation,
- delegation,
- deputation,
- election,
- empowerment,
- encroachment,
- enslavement,
- incursion,
- indent,
- infraction,
- infringement,
- inroad,
- intrusion,
- invasion,
- legitimate succession,
- occupation,
- overstepping,
- playing God,
- preemption,
- preoccupation,
- prepossession,
- requisition,
- seizure,
- subjugation,
- succession,
- takeover,
- taking over,
- transgression,
- trespass,
- trespassing