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Expropriate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Expropriate means to take away someone’s property, especially for public use, often with legal authority but sometimes without the owner’s consent. It is commonly done by governments.

expropriate

/ɛkˈspɹoʊpɹiˌeɪt/ /ɛkˈspɹəʊpɹɪeɪt/

Definition:

To take property from someone, especially for public use, often with compensation but without consent.

Synonyms:

confiscate, seize, appropriate, commandeer

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

return, relinquish

Common Collocations:

government expropriates land, expropriate private property, expropriate assets

Derivatives:

expropriation, expropriator

Usage Tips:

Use "expropriate" when referring to legal or official seizure of property, often by authorities.

Common Phrases:

expropriate land for development, expropriate under eminent domain

Etymology:

From Latin "expropriare," meaning "to deprive of property," combining "ex-" (out of) and "proprius" (own).

Examples:

  • 1. The government may expropriate land to build a highway.
  • 2. Farmers protested when the state tried to expropriate their fields.
  • 3. The law allows cities to expropriate abandoned buildings for redevelopment.
  • 4. He feared the regime would expropriate his business without fair payment.

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