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 (as by eminent domain) in the exercise of its sovereignty

Synonyms of expropriation

• takeover
• appropriation
• seizure
• annexation
• 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

Production later climbed above 3 million barrels a day before decades of neglect, corruption, expropriations, economic collapse and US sanctions sent output plunging. — Fabiola Zerpa, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026

Lawyers for the groups argued Monday that the law violates the South African Constitution's protections of private property and prohibitions of expropriation of land without compensation. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

In spite of legal safeguards, the wealthy still fear expropriation. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 21 July 2026

Put simply, this new deal consists of care in exchange for expropriation. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for expropriation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation