Expropriate
/eksˈprəʊprieɪt/verb
To take away property or land from someone, usually for public use, without their permission.
The government expropriated private lands to build the highway.
Often appears as...
- government expropriate land
- expropriate private property
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Context
Often used in legal or political situations involving laws and government actions.
The authorities will expropriate lands to expand the airport.
Pro Tip 2/3Public Interest
Usually involves taking land for something meant to benefit the public, like roads or schools.
To build the new park, officials decided to expropriate an unused lot.
Pro Tip 3/3Compensation
The owner is often paid money by the government, although it might not be enough.
Farmers received payment after their fields were expropriated for the dam.
Compare with
appropriatorcommandeerconfiscatenationalizerequisitionseizetake over
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