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.
“He contrived their destruction, with the usurpation of the regal dignity upon him.”
— Sir T. More.
“A law [of a State] which is a usurpation upon the general government.”
— O. Ellsworth.
“Manifest usurpation on the rights of other States.”
— D. Webster.