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Expropriating: meaning, definitions and examples

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expropriating

 

[ ɛkˈsprəʊpriˌeɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Expropriating refers to the act of a government taking possession of private property for public use, often with compensation to the owner. This process can occur for various reasons, including infrastructure development or urban planning. Expropriation is commonly associated with eminent domain laws.

Synonyms

appropriating, requisitioning, seizing, taking

Examples of usage

  • The city is expropriating land for the new highway.
  • The government announced it would be expropriating properties in the area.
  • The law allows for expropriating private land in certain circumstances.
  • Local authorities are expropriating land to create a public park.

Etymology

The term 'expropriate' originates from the Latin word 'expropriare', which means 'to take out of ownership'. It was adopted into English in the early 19th century and has been used primarily in legal contexts to describe government actions regarding the appropriation of private property. The concept has deep roots in the evolution of property rights and social contracts, especially during periods of rapid urban development and industrialization. As societies modernized, the need for public infrastructure often clashed with individual property rights, leading to legislation governing the process of expropriation. Over time, expropriation has evolved to reflect a balance between private ownership and the needs of the public good.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,484, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.