noun
appropriation
uh-proh-pree-AY-shun/əˌprəʊpriˈeɪʃn/
The setting apart of something for a particular use.
The appropriation of donated blankets reserves them for the shelter's beds.
Etymology
Appropriare means “make one's own,” and appropriation first named taking something as private property. That idea extended to setting something aside for a particular purpose, especially money.
In context
you do make a direct appropriation in the big bill the normal cost piece of the adac is funded by the education fund and the unfunded liability payment is funded by the general fund
More examples
- Her essay criticizes the appropriation of Indigenous designs.
- The committee reviewed next year's appropriations.
- The owner challenged the government's appropriation of the land.
Forms
appropriation · appropriations
Similar words
- allocation
- Assigns resources without implying seizure or ownership.
- confiscation
- Takes property through authority, often as a penalty.