To squat is to occupy an abandoned space or building without permission from the owner. Squatters often claim rights over the spaces they have squatted by virtue of occupation, rather than ownership. Squatting has a long history, as old or older than the idea of property itself. To squat in many countries is in itself a crime, in others it is only seen as a civil conflict between the owner and the occupants, and the law (the State) has traditionally and in virtually every case sided with the property owner. However, states which have a shortage of housing tend to ignore squatters until the property undergoes development and they need to be removed.
Some famous squats
See also; Squatter's rights, squat party, cybersquatting
For the sporting sense of the word squat, see powerlifting.
