Expropriation

/ɛkˌsproʊpriˈeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The act or process of seizing property or land, usually by a government, often for public use or the common good.

Etymology

From Latin expropriatio, derived from expropriare. The '-tion' suffix converts the verb into a noun representing the action or instance.

Kelly Says

Expropriation is the legal framework behind every highway through a neighborhood, every airport expansion, every flood-control project—understanding it explains why some communities were demolished while others were preserved.

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