expropriation

noun

ex·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion (ˌ)ek-ˌsprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

: the act of expropriating or the state of being expropriated

specifically : the action of the state in taking or modifying the property rights of an individual in the exercise of its sovereignty

Synonyms

• appropriation
• arrogation
• commandeering
• detainer
• preemption
• seizure
• takeover
• usurpation

Examples of expropriation in a Sentence

the development of the colony involved expropriation of large tracts of fertile farmland from the natives

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s meant to regulate the process of expropriation compensation, and identify instances where no compensation may be justified. —Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025

The new law aims to align expropriation with South Africa's constitutional mandate to ensure equitable access to land. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

In January, Ramaphosa signed a bill into law that sets forth new guidelines for land expropriation, including enabling the government to expropriate land without compensation in some cases. —Alejandra Jaramillo, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025

Any land expropriations would still also have to go through South Africa's independent courts. —Kate Bartlett, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for expropriation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration