expropriation

ex·pro·pri·ate  (k-sprpr-t)

tr.v. ex·pro·pri·at·ed, ex·pro·pri·at·ing, ex·pro·pri·ates

1. To deprive of possession: expropriated the property owners who lived in the path of the new highway.

2. To transfer (another's property) to oneself.

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[Medieval Latin exproprire, exproprit- : Latin ex-, ex- + Latin proprire, to appropriate (from proprius, one's own; see proper).]

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ex·propri·ation n.

ex·propri·ator n.

ex·propri·a·tory (--tôr, -tr) adj.

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expropriation

the process of taking over property, especially real property, of another by any process, lawful or not.

See also: Property and Ownership

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

expropriation - taking out of an owner's hands (especially taking property by public authority) arrogation, confiscation - seizure by the government

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expropriation

noun (Formal) seizure, takeover, impounding, confiscation, commandeering, requisitioning, sequestration, disseisin Law