[ ɪks'prəʊprɪeɪt , ɛks- ]
■ verb (of the state) take (property) from its owner for public use or benefit.
Derivatives
expropriation noun
expropriator noun
Origin
C16 (earlier (ME) as expropriation ): from med. L. expropriat- , expropriare 'take from the owner', from ex- 'out, from' + proprium 'property'.