eminent domain

noun

: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction

Examples of eminent domain in a Sentence

The state took the homes by eminent domain to build the new road.

Recent Examples on the Web

Any of the routes proposed so far through Del Mar or Solana Beach is certain to require the acquisition of private property through eminent domain. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

But the land was seized under eminent domain when the first of the dams began construction in the early 20th century. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

But most notably, Healey announced, the state was moving to take St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton by eminent domain. —Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2024

Some residents have reported pressure to sell their property for suboptimal prices following rumors that the county would use eminent domain to seize their residences. —Robert A. Kopack, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

eminent domain

noun

: a right of a government to take private property for public use

Legal Definition

eminent domain

noun

em·​i·​nent do·​main

ˈe-mə-nənt-

: the right of the government to take property from a private owner for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of its sovereignty over all lands within its jurisdiction see also condemn, expropriate, take sense 1b

Note: The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires the government to compensate the owner of property taken by eminent domain, stating “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” State constitutions contain similar provisions requiring that the property owner receive just compensation for the property taken.