Expropriate: meaning, definitions and examples

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expropriate

 

[ɪkˈsprəʊprɪeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal term

To take away someone's property without their consent, often for public use or benefit.

Synonyms

appropriate, confiscate, seize.

Examples of usage

  • The government expropriated the land to build a new highway.
  • The company was accused of expropriating the intellectual property of a smaller competitor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'expropriare,' where 'ex' means 'out of' and 'proprius' means 'own.'
  • It was first used in English around the mid-19th century, mainly related to government actions.

Legal Context

  • Expropriation often involves compensation for the property taken, ensuring fairness for the property owner.
  • Laws governing expropriation vary by country, reflecting differing attitudes towards property rights.

Historical Usage

  • Throughout history, expropriation has been used for various public projects, including roads, schools, and railways.
  • In the 20th century, expropriation became a tool used in many post-colonial nations to redistribute land.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Some cultures view expropriation as a necessary form of social justice, while others see it as a violation of personal rights.
  • Art and literature often reflect the tensions caused by expropriation, portraying its impacts on communities.

Modern Implications

  • In contemporary discussions, expropriation is often tied to urban development and gentrification, impacting local populations.
  • Emerging concepts of sustainable development sometimes challenge traditional views on expropriation.

Translations

Translations of the word "expropriate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expropriar

🇮🇳 अधिग्रहण करना

🇩🇪 enteignen

🇮🇩 mengambil alih

🇺🇦 експропріювати

🇵🇱 wywłaszczyć

🇯🇵 収用する (しゅうようする)

🇫🇷 exproprier

🇪🇸 expropiar

🇹🇷 kamulaştırmak

🇰🇷 수용하다

🇸🇦 مصادرة

🇨🇿 vyvlastnit

🇸🇰 vyvlastniť

🇨🇳 征用 (zhēngyòng)

🇸🇮 razlastiti

🇮🇸 gera upptækt

🇰🇿 тартып алу

🇬🇪 ექსპროპრიაცია

🇦🇿 müsadirə etmək

🇲🇽 expropiar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,114 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.