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eminent domain

law

"Eminent domain" refers to the authority of a government to take private property for public use, typically with compensation to the owner.

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Definition

C1Modern Law

(legal, formal)The power of a government to take private property for public use, usually with compensation to the owner.

Example

  • The city used eminent domain to acquire land for the new highway.

C2Historical Feudalism

(historical)The rights or interests of a lord in land held by a vassal.