Expropriate
Synonyms
Definition
Expropriate means to take away someone’s property or possessions, especially by the government or other authority, without their consent. It’s basically when something is forcibly taken from someone, usually for public use or benefit. Let’s say there’s a piece of land that the government needs to build a new highway. If the owner of that land refuses to sell it, the government might decide to expropriate it, taking it away from the owner for the greater good of the community.Expropriation can also happen in other situations, like when a company takes over another company’s assets without their permission. In this case, it’s often done through legal processes and compensation is usually provided to the original owner.
Example sentences
The government decided to expropriate the land to build a new airport.
The company used its power to expropriate the smaller businesses in the industry.
The dictator used his authority to expropriate the wealth of the citizens.
The indigenous community fought against the attempts to expropriate their ancestral lands.
The government’s decision to expropriate the company’s assets caused a major controversy.