Expropriable

/ɛkˈsproʊpriəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being expropriated; able to be seized or taken away by authority, especially by government.

Etymology

From 'expropriate' plus the suffix '-able' meaning 'capable of being.' The root is Latin ex- (out) plus proprium (one's own), literally meaning 'to take out of one's own possession.'

Kelly Says

Whether something is legally expropriable determines the entire relationship between citizens and their government—it's why property rights are such a flashpoint in politics, and why this quiet legal adjective actually determines tremendous power.

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