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.
The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act provides an exception for suits over the expropriation of property taken in violation of international law. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024 The expropriation of assets from Danone and Carlsberg is just the beginning, as the Kremlin likely plans more corporate seizures to benefit Putin’s allies in retaliation for the use of Russia’s Central Bank assets. Nezir Sinani, Fortune Europe, 21 Nov. 2024 Investment treaties typically provide protection against both direct and indirect expropriation, meaning that states cannot seize or devalue investors’ property without compensation. John Quinn, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Alternately unnerving, meditative, and explosive, Adam Piron’s Black Glass examines the entangled histories of visual technology and the genocide and expropriation of Indigenous populations by white settlers through a violent collision of image and sound. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near expropriation

Cite this Entry

“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expropriation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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