Eminent Domain

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈɛmɪnənt ˈdoʊˌmeɪn/

Definitions of eminent domain

noun a right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation

Example Sentences

A1 Eminent domain is a legal process that allows the government to take private property for public use.

A2 In some countries, eminent domain is also known as compulsory purchase or expropriation.

B1 The issue of eminent domain can be controversial as it involves balancing the rights of property owners with the needs of the community.

B2 Eminent domain is often used for infrastructure projects such as building roads, bridges, and public facilities.

C1 The Supreme Court has ruled on several cases involving eminent domain, setting precedent for how it can be used.

C2 Property owners can challenge eminent domain actions in court to protect their rights and seek fair compensation for their land.

Examples of eminent domain in a Sentence

formal The government used eminent domain to acquire the land needed for the new highway project.

informal They're talking about using eminent domain to take over that empty lot.

slang They're gonna pull the eminent domain card to grab that property.

figurative In the world of business, sometimes taking risks is like exercising eminent domain over your comfort zone.

Grammatical Forms of eminent domain

plural

eminent domains

comparative

more eminent domain

superlative

most eminent domain

present tense

eminent domain

future tense

will be eminent domain

perfect tense

has been eminent domain

continuous tense

is being eminent domain

singular

eminent domain

positive degree

eminent domain

infinitive

to eminent domain

gerund

eminent domaining

participle

eminent domained

Origin and Evolution of eminent domain

First Known Use: 1625 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The term 'eminent domain' originated from the Latin phrase 'dominium eminens' which means 'supreme lordship'. It was first used in the context of property law in the Middle Ages.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the ultimate authority of the sovereign over all property within the realm, the term 'eminent domain' has evolved to represent the government's power to take private property for public use with just compensation.