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Expropriation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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expropriation

[ɪksˌprəʊprɪˈeɪʃn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government action

The act of taking property from its owner for public use or benefit, typically with compensation provided to the owner.

Synonyms

appropriation, confiscation, seizure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expropriation

Used primarily in legal or government contexts, often when property is taken for public use with compensation, such as during urban development projects.

  • The government announced the expropriation of land to build the new highway.
  • Expropriation was necessary to create the public park.
confiscation

Involves taking property by authority, often used in law enforcement or school contexts, usually has a negative implication.

  • The police carried out the confiscation of the illegal goods.
  • The student's phone was subject to confiscation during the exam.
seizure

Refers to the act of taking possession of something by force or with legal right, frequently used in medical, legal, and law enforcement contexts.

  • The seizure of the drug shipment was reported in the news.
  • She experienced a seizure and was taken to the hospital.
appropriation

Often refers to the act of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission, and can include cultural contexts.

  • The artist was accused of cultural appropriation for using traditional motifs in her work.
  • The committee approved the appropriation of funds for the new library.

Examples of usage

  • The expropriation of land for the construction of a new highway caused controversy among local residents.
  • The government justified the expropriation of the building by citing the need for urban redevelopment.
Context #2 | Noun

business

The act of taking over private property or assets by a government or organization without compensation to the owner.

Synonyms

confiscation, nationalization, seizure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expropriation

This term is generally used in legal and governmental contexts when the state takes private property for public use or benefit, usually with compensation to the owner. It is typically a formal and neutral term.

  • The government's expropriation of land for the new highway project led to compensated landowners.
  • Expropriation of private resources has always been a contentious issue in politics.
nationalization

Nationalization refers to the process by which the government takes control of a company or industry, often to run it as a public enterprise. It is mostly used in economic or political discussions.

  • The nationalization of the oil industry has sparked significant political debate.
  • A wave of nationalization in the 20th century changed the landscape of many economies.
confiscation

Confiscation implies the taking of property by an authority, often without compensation, usually as a penalty for wrongdoing. It has a negative connotation.

  • The confiscation of illegal drugs by the police was reported on the evening news.
  • Confiscation of the items occurred because they were smuggled into the country.
seizure

Seizure indicates taking possession of property or assets, often by law enforcement or court order, usually with a sense of urgency or force. It also carries a negative connotation.

  • The court ordered the seizure of assets belonging to the fraudulent company.
  • The seizure of the mansion was a result of the ongoing criminal investigation.

Examples of usage

  • The expropriation of the company's assets led to a legal battle between the owners and the government.
  • Many foreign investors are concerned about the risk of expropriation in unstable political environments.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Framework

  • Expropriation is often justified under the legal principle of eminent domain, allowing governments to take private property for public benefit.
  • Laws governing expropriation vary by country, balancing public needs with individual property rights.

Historical Examples

  • In the 20th century, multiple countries nationalized industries through expropriation, changing ownership from private to state control.
  • After the 1979 revolution, Iran expropriated properties owned by foreign nationals and the Shah's supporters.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, expropriation is viewed as a necessary step for social equity, while in others, it raises concerns about fairness and property rights.
  • Movements against unjust expropriation have inspired protests and discussions about land rights worldwide.

Economic Impact

  • Expropriation can lead to significant shifts in local economies, impacting everything from housing markets to job availability.
  • The prospect of expropriation can influence investment decisions, as potential investors weigh the risks of government intervention.

Origin of 'expropriation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'expropriare', which means to take away property.
  • It combines 'ex-' meaning out of, and 'proprius', meaning one's own, reflecting the shift from private to public ownership.

The term 'expropriation' originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'expropriare', which means 'to deprive of property'. The concept of expropriation has been present throughout history, often associated with government actions for public benefit or economic development. Expropriation laws vary in different countries, outlining the conditions and procedures for taking private property for public use.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,081, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.