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

Foreign investors have long viewed the involvement of independent courts as crucial to guard against future expropriation. —Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026

Following the 2007 expropriations under Chávez, many of these facilities were nationalized, and then undermaintained and allowed to deteriorate. —Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026

Trump has repeatedly called the expropriations the largest theft in American history. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026

The expropriations included assets of Cemex (cement), Gruma (food) and Coca-Cola-Femsa of Mexico, Crystallex (mines) and Gold Reserve of Canada; Smurfit Kappa (food), from Ireland; and Casino (supermarkets) in France, among others. —Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 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