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

See Examples For:

eminent domain

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

The Fisher Island Community Association, which represents property owners, and Fisher Island Club, a country club, sued Miami-Dade County in federal court in January to block the county from exercising eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 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

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

It may be added that if the performance of a covenant is rendered impossible by an act of eminent domain the covenantor is excused.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various