Squatted: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ 
Add to dictionary

squatted

 

[ หˆskwษ’tษชd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical action

The term 'squatted' refers to the action of crouching or sitting on one's haunches. It often describes a position where one lowers their hips and bends their knees while keeping their feet flat on the ground. This position can be used for various purposes, such as rest or exercise. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the act of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied space without permission.

Synonyms

bent, crouched, hunched, settled.

Examples of usage

  • He squatted down to tie his shoes.
  • The group squatted in the abandoned building.
  • She squatted low to avoid being seen.
  • They squatted by the river to fish.
Context #2 | Verb

illegal occupation

In an urban context, 'squatted' can refer to the practice of occupying a property or land without legal permission. This is often done out of necessity for housing or as a political statement. Squatting can lead to legal disputes and is commonly associated with movements advocating for housing rights.

Synonyms

invaded, occupied, settled.

Examples of usage

  • They squatted in the vacant apartment building.
  • Activists squatted on the land to protest.
  • Many families have squatted after losing their homes.
  • She lived in a squatted house for several months.

Translations

Translations of the word "squatted" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น agachado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅˆเค เคพ เคนเฅเค†

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช hockend

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jongkok

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะธัั–ะฒัˆะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ przysiadล‚

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ—ใ‚ƒใŒใ‚“ใ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท accroupi

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ agachado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงรถmelmiลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ญˆ๊ทธ๋ฆฌ๊ณ  ์•‰์€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌู„ุณ ุนู„ู‰ ุฑูƒุจุชูŠู‡

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dล™epรญcรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zohnutรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่นฒไธ‹็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sklonjen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sittandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพั‚ั‹ั€า“ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ‘แƒšแƒ แƒฉแƒแƒงแƒฃแƒ“แƒ”แƒ‘แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oturmuลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ agachado

Etymology

The word 'squat' originates from the Middle English term 'squatten', which means to settle or to sit. It is derived from the Old French 'squat', a variant of 'esquatier', meaning 'to settle' or 'to sit'. The term has evolved over the centuries, gaining its modern usage in the context of physically crouching or sitting close to the ground. In the 19th century, the term began to see use in the context of occupying unused buildings or land, particularly as urbanization increased and affordable housing became scarce. The practice of squatting has historical roots in various societies as a means of survival, but it has also become a political act advocating for social justice and housing equity. Today, the term encompasses both its physical action and the socio-political implications of unauthorized occupation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,540, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.