usurpation

noun

Pronunciation: /ˌjuːzərˈpeɪʃən/

Definition

The illegal or unauthorized seizure of power, authority, or property from someone else.

Examples

• The king viewed the duke's claim to the throne as a blatant usurpation of his royal rights.

• Historians often analyze the usurpation of the republic by military leaders during times of civil unrest.

• She filed a lawsuit to stop the usurpation of her company's intellectual property by a former partner.

Synonyms of usurpation

Words with a similar meaning to usurpation:

• seizure
• takeover
• annexation
• appropriation
• coup

Antonyms of usurpation

Words with the opposite meaning to usurpation:

• abdication
• surrender

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