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

The law aims to address land ownership disparities rooted in the country's apartheid past by allowing land expropriation in the public interest. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

The land expropriation law allows the government to make land seizures without compensation. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025

This means that residential property, commercial property, farms, and mines are exempt from expropriation without compensation. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

While the law permits expropriation without compensation under specific circumstances, the South African government insists that private property rights remain protected. —Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 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