rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycondemnationProperty seizure
noun

condemnation

The legal taking of private property for public use.

The city uses condemnation to acquire land for a new road.

Etymology
condemnationLatinsentence; adjudge

The Latin verb names a formal adverse judgment. The property sense applies that legal authority to adjudging land available for public use, rather than accusing the landowner of wrongdoing.

More examples

  • The owners challenge the condemnation of their land for a public school.
  • Property owners are entitled to just compensation when condemnation takes their land.
  • The county avoids condemnation by negotiating a purchase with the owner.

Forms

condemnation · condemnations

condemn verb — To take private property for public use.

Similar words

expropriation
Emphasizes government taking ownership rather than the legal proceeding.
seizure
Broader taking of property, including confiscation for legal violations.