WorldJuly 14, 2026
dispossession
/ˌdɪspəˈzɛʃən/
Definition
The act of depriving someone of their land, property, or possessions, often through force or systemic marginalization.
Etymology
The word derives from the Latin prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'away') and 'possessio' (meaning 'taking hold'). It entered Middle English through Old French, maintaining its meaning of being deprived of property or occupied territory.
In the news
In the article, the term describes how violent conflict forces Indigenous peoples off their traditional lands. This loss of territory is highlighted as a fundamental injustice that compounds the effects of climate change and political neglect.
As climate and conflict collide, Indigenous leaders confront overlapping crises at the UN
Read the full article ↗grist.org