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

Silverstein also represented Robert Blue, whose luggage store had become a target of eminent domain proceedings by the city’s redevelopment agency.

From Los Angeles Times

The Santa Monica City Council agreed earlier this week to pay a settlement to the family of a Black entrepreneur whose land the city acknowledged was unfairly taken through eminent domain during the 1950s.

From Los Angeles Times

Uribe, who signed the EPA petition, worries that his property’s value could be affected if a Superfund site is declared, or even that his property could be taken through eminent domain.

From Los Angeles Times

She called for the city to explore the use of eminent domain: having government acquire land or buildings, even if the property owner doesn’t want to sell.

From Los Angeles Times

With an eye toward redeveloping the area for a new housing project, the city began pursuing residents’ properties in the early 1950s through eminent domain and below-market offers.

From Los Angeles Times