expropriation
noun
ex·pro·pri·a·tion
(ˌ)ek-ˌsprō-prē-ˈā-shən 
: the act of expropriating or the state of being expropriated
specifically
: the action of the state in taking or modifying the property rights of an individual (as by eminent domain) in the exercise of its sovereignty
Examples of expropriation in a Sentence
the development of the colony involved expropriation of large tracts of fertile farmland from the natives
Recent Examples on the Web
The expropriations, along with the firings, consolidated state control of the oil sector and, experts say, drained the country of expertise and investment, inflicting lasting damage.
—
Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Over the last 20 years, successive Venezuelan governments under Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chávez almost brought the oil industry to a standstill by threatening foreign companies with expropriations.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 13 Feb. 2026
Following the 2007 expropriations under Chávez, many of these facilities were nationalized, and then undermaintained and allowed to deteriorate.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Trump has repeatedly called the expropriations the largest theft in American history.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expropriation
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Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Over the last 20 years, successive Venezuelan governments under Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chávez almost brought the oil industry to a standstill by threatening foreign companies with expropriations.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 13 Feb. 2026
Following the 2007 expropriations under Chávez, many of these facilities were nationalized, and then undermaintained and allowed to deteriorate.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Trump has repeatedly called the expropriations the largest theft in American history.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expropriation
Cite this Entry
“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expropriation. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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