expropriate
/ɪkˈsproʊpriˌeɪt/
verb
- To take away private property for public use, usually with payment of compensation.
- Farmers protested when the state tried to expropriate their fields for a dam.
- The government decided to expropriate the land to build a new highway.
- The city council voted to expropriate the abandoned factory for a public park.
- To take something from someone, especially by force or without permission.
- The dictator's regime would expropriate wealth from political opponents.
- During the war, the army would expropriate food and supplies from local villages.
- The company tried to expropriate the inventor's ideas without paying royalties.
Synonyms