eminent domain

noun

, Law.

1. the power of the state to take private property for public use with payment of compensation to the owner.

eminent domain

noun

1. law the right of a state to confiscate private property for public use, payment usually being made to the owners in compensation

eminent domain

1. The right of a government to take private property for a public purpose, usually with just compensation of the owner.

Word History and Origins

Origin of eminent domain¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

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

Other bills establish a process for the state to review and investigate claims of racially motivated taking of property by governments using the power of eminent domain, seek to increase and track participation in career training education among Black and low-income students, and expand Medi-Cal coverage, pending federal approval, to include benefits for medically supported food and nutrition.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1950, eight years before the Dodgers relocated from Brooklyn, L.A. housing officials decided to turn the area into a huge public housing project and forced existing residents to relocate by buying their homes for below-market cash offers or by taking properties through eminent domain proceedings.

From Los Angeles Times

Few governmental practices have caused more rapid disruption or erosion of generational wealth in Black and brown communities than the discriminatory use of eminent domain — the legal tool cities, counties and other official bodies rely on to unilaterally condemn and purchase private land for public use.

From Los Angeles Times