usucaption

/juːsʌkæpʃən/ or /yʊˈsʌkəpʃən/

Definitions

1. noun

The acquisition of title to land by adverse possession, especially in common-law jurisdictions where the time period for possession is determined by statute.

“Through long years of neglect, the nearby land was acquired through usucaption by a nearby neighbor who had been farming it.”

2. verb

To acquire title to land by adverse possession.

“The local family usucapted the abandoned property and began to renovate it.”

Synonyms

  • adverse possession
  • prescription

Antonyms

  • alienation
  • divestment