Arrogation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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arrogation

[หŒรฆrษ™หˆษกeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

law definition

Arrogation refers to the act of claiming or taking something for oneself, often without justification. In legal contexts, it may involve the assumption of rights or privileges that are not rightfully yours. This term typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting presumptuousness or overreach. It may also refer to the right of a government or authority to take control of properties or rights that were previously held by individuals or organizations.

Synonyms

appropriation, seizure, usurpation.

Examples of usage

  • The arrogation of power by the tyrant was met with resistance.
  • His arrogation of her ideas without acknowledgment was inappropriate.
  • The government's arrogation of land for development raised ethical concerns.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In law, arrogation can refer to taking powers or rights that arenโ€™t legally granted.
  • Historically, arrogation has been associated with government or leadership overstepping its bounds, often leading to disputes.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Arrogation often appears in discussions about colonialism, where one group unjustly claims land or resources from another.
  • Philosophically, it raises questions about entitlement and the ethics of claiming ownership over others' work, such as in art and intellectual property.

Psychology

  • Engaging in arrogation can stem from a need for control or power, often linked to insecurity.
  • Research suggests that those who arrogate may struggle with empathy, seeing others as tools rather than individuals.

Literature

  • In literature, characters who arrogate often embody traits of greed or hubris, leading to their downfall.
  • Classic stories, such as Shakespeareโ€™s plays, frequently showcase figures who arrogate authority, illustrating the consequences of such behavior.

Origin of 'arrogation'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'arrogare,' which means 'to claim for oneself.'
  • The prefix 'ar-' in Latin often implies direction towards something, while 'rogare' means 'to ask' or 'to claim.'

The term 'arrogation' has its roots in the Latin word 'arrogatio', which means to claim or to take without rightful authority. It is derived from the verb 'arrogare', meaning 'to claim' or 'to assume'. The prefix 'ad-' (to) and 'rogare' (to ask) combined reflect the act of claiming something as one's own, often without proper consideration or entitlement. Over time, 'arrogation' has evolved in usage primarily within legal contexts, relating to the assumption of rights or claims over resources, properties, or privileges. The word entered English around the late 14th century, retaining this notion of presumption and overreach. Its usage has often been associated with discussions of authority, governance, and the ethics of claiming rights or resources that belong to others.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,609, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.