visitation
|vis-i-ta-tion|
/ˌvɪzɪˈteɪʃən/
an official or significant visit
Etymology
'visitation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'visitare' (frequentative of 'visere'), where the root meant 'to see' or 'to go to see'.
'visitation' passed into English via Old French 'visitation' and Medieval Latin 'visitatio', and was used in Middle English with much the same form before becoming the modern English noun 'visitation'.
Initially it meant 'the act of going to see' or 'a visit'; over time it acquired specialized senses such as an official inspection, a legal right of access, and a supernatural or punitive 'visit'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an official or formal visit, often for inspection or oversight (especially by a person in authority, e.g., a bishop or inspector).
The diocese announced a visitation by the bishop next month to inspect parish records.
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Noun 2
the act of visiting someone or something; a visit (more formal or legal than ordinary 'visit').
She welcomed the unexpected visitation from an old friend.
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Noun 3
a scheduled time when a non-custodial parent is allowed to see their child (legal/family-law context), often called 'visitation rights' or simply 'visitation'.
The court granted him visitation every other weekend.
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Noun 4
a supernatural or divine appearance or occurrence — an apparition or intervention (can be positive or punitive).
The villagers spoke of a strange visitation that brought sudden sickness and then vanished.
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Last updated: 2026/01/09 16:32