Word
expropriation
Phoneticsex·pro·pri·a·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɛksˌpɹoʊpɹiˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɛkspɹˌɒpɹɪˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. taking of private land or buildings by a government for public use, usually with payment to the owner. You see this word in news about new roads, dams, or city projects.
n. compulsory taking of private property by a public authority for public purpose, typically with compensation. Often distinguished from confiscation by legal process and payment requirement.
Examples
“The city plans the expropriation of land for the new road.”
“Farmers protested the expropriation of their fields for the airport expansion, arguing that the compensation offered was far below market value.”
“The history of the railway is inseparable from large-scale expropriation, which redrew property lines across the valley and left a legacy of legal disputes over fair compensation.”
Examples
simple
“The city plans the expropriation of land for the new road.”
contextual
“Farmers protested the expropriation of their fields for the airport expansion, arguing that the compensation offered was far below market value.”
complex
“The history of the railway is inseparable from large-scale expropriation, which redrew property lines across the valley and left a legacy of legal disputes over fair compensation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “expropriation” in context.
Verb
01. authorize expropriation
“Parliament authorized expropriation for the public railway expansion.”
verb + noun
02. challenge expropriation
“The owners challenged expropriation in the constitutional court.”
verb + noun
03. expropriation proceeds
“Expropriation proceeds only after owners receive official notice.”
noun + verb
04. justify expropriation
“The mayor tried to justify expropriation as essential for public safety.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. arbitrary expropriation
“Investors fear arbitrary expropriation without fair legal process.”
adj + noun
06. compulsory expropriation
“Farmers received notices of compulsory expropriation for the new highway project.”
adj + noun
07. indirect expropriation
“Heavy regulation was condemned as indirect expropriation of foreign investments.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. act of expropriation
“The act of expropriation must serve a clear public purpose.”
noun + prep + noun
09. compensation for expropriation
“They demanded fair compensation for expropriation of their farmland.”
noun + prep + noun
10. carry out mass expropriation
“The regime carried out mass expropriation of private estates.”
11. challenge the expropriation in court
“The family decided to challenge the expropriation in court.”
12. face the threat of expropriation
“Hundreds of homeowners face the threat of expropriation.”
Usage
Often followed by 'of' to name the property taken; commonly collocates with 'compensation' and 'public purpose'.
Real-World Examples
“The parties of the right had voted against it, one of them calling automatic lease renewal an “expropriation of property rights”.” “The Expropriation Act allows the state to seize land in the public interest, in some cases without compensating the owner, as part of efforts to redress the legacy of apartheid.” Etymology
From expropriate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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