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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

eminent domain

Part of that land is now the target of an eminent domain proceeding to make room for a huge transmission tower.

From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026

The director would be able to manage public works projects, including construction, buying or leasing property, exercising eminent domain with City Council approval, granting street permits, regulating parking and recommending budgets for the department.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

In Bakersfield, the rail project is attempting to use buyouts and eminent domain to acquire properties for the station.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

Landowners in communities adjacent to the park are still gearing up to face eminent domain challenges from the federal government.

From Salon ● May 25, 2026

I say these people won’t know what eminent domain means.

From The Shepherd of the North by Richard Aumerle Maher

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