expropriation

noun

ex·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion (ˌ)ek-ˌsprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce expropriation (audio)
: the act of expropriating or the state of being expropriated
specifically : the action of the state in taking or modifying the property rights of an individual in the exercise of its sovereignty

Examples of expropriation in a Sentence

the development of the colony involved expropriation of large tracts of fertile farmland from the natives
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke with Musk a day after the new U.S. president promised to cut funding for South Africa over a land expropriation law. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 7 Feb. 2025 Consequently, although the white minority’s worst late-apartheid nightmares (expropriation, race wars) never came to pass, whites still lost their privileged access to public resources. John Rapley, Foreign Affairs, 10 Jan. 2023 In some countries, expropriation is a risk. John Dorfman, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 The land expropriation law allows the government to make land seizures without compensation. Louis Casiano, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expropriation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expropriation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expropriation. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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