expropriate

Pronunciation key ( eks-prō′pri-āt )

ex•pro•pri•ate

v.t. [EXPROPRIATED (-id), EXPROPRIATING, EXPROPRIATES]

[< ML. expropriatus pp. of expropriare to deprive of one's own < ex- out, away + propius one's own].

1. On basis of eminent domain, to take property such as land from its owner for public use or in public interest .
2. The transfer of property from one person, or nation, etc. to another.
3. Deprivation of ownership or possessions; to dispossess.

—ex•pro′pri•a′tion n. —ex•pro′pri•a′tor n. —ex•pro′pri•a•to′ry (-ə-tôr′ē, -ə-tōr′ē) adj.

References and Further Reading

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955

The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985

Further Reading

expropriation

expropriator