expropriate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɛkˈsproʊpriˌeɪt/

KK: /ɛkˈsproʊpriˌeɪt/

transitive verb

Definition

To take away someone's property or rights, usually for public use, often with compensation.

Example

The government decided to expropriate the land to build a new school.

Tense Forms

Past: expropriated

Past Participle: expropriated

Conversation

Did you hear about the government's plan to expropriate land for the new park?

Yeah, I read about that. Some people are really upset about it.

It seems unfair to just expropriate property without a proper discussion.

I agree, they should find a better way to handle it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

appropriate

seize

commandeer

Antonyms

restore

return

relinquish

Root Explanation

Expropriate → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "propriare" (meaning to make one's own). The word describes the act of taking property away from its owner, effectively making it the property of another, usually the state.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking something out of someone's ownership' — 'ex-' means out of, and 'propriare' means to make one's own.

Visually Confused Words

unexpropriated

reappropriate

impropriate