eminent domain

American  

noun

Law.

1. the power of the state to take private property for public use with payment of compensation to the owner.

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eminent domain British  

noun

1. law the right of a state to confiscate private property for public use, payment usually being made to the owners in compensation

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eminent domain Cultural  

1. The right of a government to take private property for a public purpose, usually with just compensation of the owner.

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Etymology

Origin of eminent domain

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

While it’s usually applied when the federal government exercises eminent domain and takes title to land, the takings clause also covers the government’s outright destruction of personal property.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

As selectman, he threatens to co-opt it using eminent domain.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

He believes Carrillo’s Chavez Ravine Accountability Act, along with Bradford’s bill, could, if successful, prompt government entities to more strongly consider racial and economic equity when considering future uses of eminent domain.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024

But although Black Americans have largely been the focus of state and national reparations efforts, Bradford said his eminent domain proposal applies to members of other racial groups as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024

The power of eminent domain being an inherent element of sovereignty, it cannot be divested out of the State or abridged by contract or treaty so as to bind future legislatures.

From The Railroad Question A historical and practical treatise on railroads, and remedies for their abuses by Larrabee, William