squatter
UK: ˈskwɒtə | US: ˈskwɑːtər
n. 1. A person who occupies an unused or abandoned space or building without legal permission.
n. 2. A person who crouches or sits in a low or hunched position.
v. (rare) One who squats (as in the verb form).
The word "squatter" derives from the verb "squat," which originated in the early 15th century from Old French esquatir ("to crush, press down"), likely of Germanic origin. The -er suffix, a common English agent-noun marker, was added to denote a person performing the action. Initially describing someone crouching, its meaning expanded in the 18th century to include unlawfully occupying land, reflecting colonial and urban land disputes. The dual meanings persist today, tied to physical posture and property rights.
The abandoned house was taken over by a squatter who refused to leave.
The photographer captured a squatter resting on the sidewalk.
Authorities evicted the squatters from the vacant warehouse.
She sat like a squatter, knees bent and back against the wall.
Urban squatters often repurpose derelict buildings for shelter.