appropriation

appropriation

noun

Definition of APPROPRIATION

1

a sum of money allotted for a specific use by official or formal action <the National Park Service received an increased appropriation for wildlife management>

Synonyms allocation, allotment, annuity, entitlement, grant, subsidy, subvention

Related Words aid, assistance, block grant, grant-in-aid, set-aside; foreign aid, relief, state aid; advance, allowance, benefit, bequest, endowment, fund, legacy, stipend, trust, trust fund

2

the unlawful taking or withholding of something from the rightful owner under a guise of authority <the insurgents' appropriation of the house for their headquarters>

Synonyms arrogation, commandeering, detainer, expropriation, preemption, seizure, takeover, usurpation

Related Words annexation, assumption, attachment, confiscation, grab, impoundment, repossession, sequestration; defalcation, embezzlement, misapplication, misappropriation, misuse, peculation, theft; despoilment, looting, pillaging; encroachment, infringement, piracy; invasion, occupancy, occupation, preoccupancy, trespass; deforcement, disfurnishment, dispossession, ejection, stripping