Definition

The act of taking away someone's property or rights, usually by a government for public use.

Example

The government announced the expropriation of land for the new highway.

Conversation

Did you hear about the expropriation happening in the neighborhood?

Yeah, it's causing quite a stir among the residents.

I can't believe they would just take people's land like that.

I know, it's really controversial and people are upset.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

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