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

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

He added that it was too early to say how the Fisher Island parties will proceed with their lawsuit trying to block 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

Silverstein opened his own law office in 2005, taking on clients who were challenging eminent domain, the process used by government agencies to acquire private property from owners who are unwilling to sell.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

All this time, by hints and suggestions, Nature had been pushing the youth toward the field he was finally to occupy almost by right of eminent domain.

From Great Men and Famous Women. Vol. 6 A series of pen and pencil sketches of the lives of more than 200 of the most prominent personages in History by Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis)