Squatting: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone lives in a building or on a land without the owner's permission. Often associated with abandoned properties.

• Many people were squatting in the old factory

Describes the act of taking up space or residing in a place, which can be either legal or illegal.

• They were occupying the apartment while they waited for their new house to be ready

Entering someone's property without permission, usually intentionally. This term has a negative connotation and often implies breaking the law.

• The sign warned against trespassing on private property

Refers to the act of living in or using a space, typically with permission or a formal arrangement.

• The building has an occupancy limit of 100 people

Can also refer to inhabiting an abandoned property without legal permission. This usage has a negative connotation.

• They were squatting in the old abandoned house
• The authorities cleared out the area where people were squatting

Describes bending down with your knees bent and your upper body brought forward and down, often to avoid detection or for protection.

• The cat crouched low, ready to pounce
• He had to crouch to avoid being seen by the guards

Means to rest your weight on your buttocks rather than your feet, typically on a chair or the ground. Common in everyday use.

• He sat on the bench enjoying the weather
• The teacher asked the children to sit in a circle

Refers to placing one or both knees on the ground. Common in formal settings like prayer or proposing marriage.

• She knelt to tie her shoe
• He kneeled down to propose to her