usurpation

USAGE SUMMARY

'usurpation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means the seizure of power or authority without right. For example, "The dictator attempted to overthrow the government and declared a new era of usurpation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The traditions of sadistic brutality originate from the NKVD, the Soviet-era secret police, and are now serving corruption and political usurpation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In recent months some al-Salems have quietly protested against what they see as a looming usurpation of their rights.

The Economist

Reassurances that their creations are not destined to develop further towards life merely compound their sin in the eyes of the Catholic Church, which thinks destroying embryos is as great a usurpation of God's powers as creating them in the first place.

The Economist

The strike "coincide[d] with the areas where the greatest usurpation of lands occurred," he says.

The Economist

Mr Gingrich went on to argue that the judiciary's consistent failure to rule in a manner adequately reflecting the belief that "our rights come from our creator" justifies a congressional usurpation of judicial power.

The Economist

The gloomiest pundits think Pakistan simply cannot cope: they foresee mounting social unrest and further usurpation of the functions of government by either the army or Taliban militants.Ultimately, they predict the total collapse of a state with 180m people and a nuclear arsenal, whose soil provides al-Qaeda with its global headquarters.

The Economist

Steve King, a Republican congressman from Iowa, says a change in immigration rules that Mr Obama recently announced is a usurpation of Congress's right to set such policies; he plans to sue the president to stop it.

The Economist

Thus it is increasingly in his (and perhaps the army's) interest to increase his clout over the civilian politicians in the coming months, even if that falls short of outright usurpation of power.

The Economist

They can see a Cromwell, the type of daring and courageous usurpation, succeeded by a Charles, the concentration of selfish profanity and disgusting profligacy, and yet not lose their faith in the conviction that the world moves.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr Obama knows perfectly well that his truculence and usurpations of power have cost him some support among liberals, and he knows that the cost was more than repaid by neutralising "soft-on-terror" attacks from the right.

The Economist

But even when they are desirable, such usurpations are not necessarily feasible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about political or historical events, use "usurpation" to accurately describe the illegal seizure of power, especially when the legitimacy of a leader or regime is in question.

Common error

Avoid using "usurpation" when simply describing a change in leadership. "Usurpation" specifically refers to an illegitimate or illegal seizure of power, not just any transition of authority.

Linguistic Context

The term "usurpation" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the act of wrongfully seizing power or authority. As evidenced by Ludwig and the provided examples, it often describes political or historical events involving illegitimate power grabs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

36%

News & Media

26%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usurpation" is a noun denoting the wrongful seizure of power or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status and its frequent usage across various domains. The term is commonly found in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific articles, highlighting its role in describing and condemning illegitimate power grabs. When using "usurpation", ensure you are accurately describing an illegal seizure of power and not simply a change in leadership. Alternatives include "wrongful seizure of power" and "illegal assumption of authority". Always consider the context to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrongful seizure of power

This alternative directly describes the action of taking power illegitimately, emphasizing the act itself.

illegal assumption of authority

This highlights the unlawful nature of taking control, focusing on the violation of legal or ethical boundaries.

unlawful appropriation

This emphasizes the act of taking something without permission or legal right, often referring to resources or property.

forceful takeover

This suggests a violent or aggressive seizure of control, often implying a lack of consent from those being governed.

hostile acquisition

This term emphasizes the antagonistic nature of the takeover, commonly used in business contexts.

illegitimate succession

This describes a situation where someone takes power despite not having a valid claim or right to it.

unjustified claim to authority

This underscores the lack of legitimate grounds for holding power, highlighting the unfairness of the situation.

unwarranted assumption of control

This highlights that the person taking control lacks the necessary justification or right to do so.

undue assumption of command

This suggests an inappropriate or excessive taking of leadership or control, implying overreach.

unauthorized commandeering

This emphasizes the lack of official permission or approval for taking control of something.

FAQs

How to use "usurpation" in a sentence?

You can use "usurpation" to describe the act of wrongfully seizing power or authority, such as "The dictator's "wrongful seizure of power" was met with international condemnation."

What can I say instead of "usurpation"?

You can use alternatives like ""wrongful seizure of power"", "illegal assumption of authority", or "unlawful appropriation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "usurpation" or "succession"?

"Usurpation" refers to the illegal seizure of power, while "succession" refers to the legitimate transfer of power. They are opposites; use "usurpation" when the power transfer is unlawful.

What's the difference between "usurpation" and "invasion"?

"Usurpation" specifically refers to the seizing of power or authority, often from within, while "invasion" refers to a military incursion into a territory. One focuses on internal power dynamics, the other on external force.