expropriation
eks-proh-pree-AY-shun
/ekˌsproʊ.priˈeɪ.ʃən/
The legal action by a government or authority taking private property for public use, usually accompanied by compensation.
Refers to compulsory acquisition of private land by the state, known as eminent domain in the United States.
The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'expropriatus', literally meaning 'to take away what is one's own'. Entered legal terminology in 17th-century legal treatises to describe state sovereign power over physical land ownership.
Word relationships
- eminent domain: 'Eminent domain' is the legal power or doctrine itself in the US, whereas 'expropriation' is the action or process.
- compulsory acquisition: 'Compulsory acquisition' is the preferred legal term in Commonwealth jurisdictions like the UK and Australia.
- privatization: 'Privatization' transfers public property or services into private ownership.
Commonly confused with
- confiscation: 'Confiscation' implies taking property as a punishment without compensation, unlike legal expropriation.
Word family
- expropriate (verb): To take property from its legal owner for public use.
Collocations
- compulsory expropriation
- expropriation proceedings
- expropriation order
- expropriation without compensation
Example sentences
- "The construction of the high-speed rail line required the compulsory expropriation of farmland along the route." High-speed rail policy document
- "Landowners filed legal claims demanding fair market compensation following the expropriation of their industrial plots." Constitutional rights commentary
Memory hook
EX (out) + PROPERTY = Taking property out of private hands for public use. State compulsory purchase of private land.
When not to use
Do not use 'expropriation' for illegal theft between private individuals; it is strictly an official government taking of land.
Fun facts
- The Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution explicitly conditions the power of expropriation on paying 'just compensation'.
Related words
Explore more words
commandeer, seizure, annexation, requisition, usurp, extortion
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