eminent domain
Etymology

Translation of the Latin term dominium ēminēns “supreme ownership”.

Noun

eminent domain (uncountable)

  1. (legal, US, Philippines) The right of a government over the private property within its jurisdiction. Usually invoked to compel land owners to sell their property in preparation for a major construction project such as a freeway.
    The city council used eminent domain to make me sell my store.
  2. (historical) In feudalism, the legal interest or rights of a lord or superior in an estate in land held in fee, as opposed to the vassal's or tenant's interest.
Synonyms Antonyms Translations
  • French: expropriation, expropriation pour cause d'utilité publique
  • German: Enteignung
  • Italian: espropriazione per pubblica utilità, occupazione d'urgenza
  • Portuguese: desapropriação
  • Spanish: expropiación
Translations
  • French: domaine direct, domaine éminent
  • German: Obereigentum



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