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.
Trump falsely accused the South African government of a rights violation against white Afrikaner farmers by seizing their land through a new expropriation law. Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025 In the order, Trump claimed that Afrikaners—descendants of Dutch colonial settlers—are being targeted under a new law allowing government expropriation of private land. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Stripping South Africa of its AGOA privileges on account of its expropriation law would hurt the same White farmers whom the US seeks to protect, according to Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson for the country’s foreign minister. Nimi Princewill, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025 The Expropriation Act of 2024 provides the legal framework for the expropriation of property in South Africa, for public purposes or in the public interest. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expropriation. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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