Squatters

/ˈskwɑtərz/ noun

Definition

People who occupy an empty building or piece of land without permission or legal right to do so.

Etymology

From the verb 'squat' meaning to crouch or occupy, combined with the agent suffix '-er'; 'squat' comes from Old French 'coate' meaning to press down.

Kelly Says

Squatters have been a major part of urban history—during housing crises, entire communities have been built by people claiming unused land, challenging what it means to 'own' property.

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