Definition of "eminent domain" []

• The right of a government to appropriate private property for public use, usually with compensation to the owner. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• ""But, Martha, I've simply got to remain on the Board now that the question of taking over the Dollop Estate by eminent domain is coming up."
• "Neither of them was sleeping well, so sometimes until 2:00 a.m., Douglas would explain his work at Obervell, the eminent domain issues, and what he knew of Kijo Jackson."