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

• 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

In addition to basic regulatory diligence to identify U.S. domestic vulnerabilities, political risk insurance providers offer coverage against foreign government expropriation, regulatory changes, and policy reversals, with limits reaching $150 million and terms extending up to 15 years. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025

The expropriation entailed the government seizing a 51% equity stake in YPF. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 29 Aug. 2025

Financial repression tends to lower returns for savers and drives up their vulnerability to de facto expropriation. —Adam S. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025

Land expropriations will also be authorized. —CNN Money, 6 Aug. 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