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Squatter: meaning, definitions and examples

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squatter

 

[ ˈskwɒtə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal

A person who unlawfully occupies an uninhabited building or unused land.

Synonyms

intruder, occupant, trespasser

Examples of usage

  • Squatters took over the abandoned warehouse.
  • The government has been trying to evict the squatters from the vacant lot.
  • The squatter claimed adverse possession of the property.
  • The squatter refused to leave the premises.
  • The squatter built a makeshift shelter on the land.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who lives in a building without the legal right to do so, often without paying rent.

Synonyms

freeloader, illegal occupant, unauthorized resident

Examples of usage

  • The squatter in the apartment refused to leave.
  • Squatters were living in the foreclosed house.
  • The landlord had to deal with squatters in the abandoned building.
  • The authorities were called to remove the squatters from the property.
  • The squatter was evicted from the premises.

Translations

Translations of the word "squatter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ocupante ilegal

🇮🇳 अवैध कब्जाधारी

🇩🇪 Hausbesetzer

🇮🇩 penjajah

🇺🇦 незаконний поселенець

🇵🇱 dziki lokator

🇯🇵 不法占拠者

🇫🇷 squatteur

🇪🇸 okupa

🇹🇷 gecekondu

🇰🇷 불법 거주자

🇸🇦 محتل غير شرعي

🇨🇿 nelegální nájemník

🇸🇰 nelegálny nájomca

🇨🇳 非法占据者

🇸🇮 nezakonit posestnik

🇮🇸 óleyfilegur húsnæðismaður

🇰🇿 заңсыз қоныстанушы

🇬🇪 უკანონო დასახლებული

🇦🇿 qanunsuz məskunlaşan

🇲🇽 ocupante ilegal

Word origin

The term 'squatter' originated in the late 18th century, derived from the verb 'squat', meaning to crouch or sit on the heels. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who occupies a space without permission or legal right. The concept of squatting has been a part of various social movements and historical contexts, often associated with housing issues and property rights.

See also: squat, squatting.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,824, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.