eminent domain
noun Law.
the power of the state to take private property for public use with payment of compensation to the owner.
Origin of eminent domain
First recorded in 1730–40
Words nearby eminent domain
British Dictionary definitions for eminent domain
eminent domain
noun
law
the right of a state to confiscate private property for public use, payment usually being made to the owners in compensation
Cultural definitions for eminent domain
eminent domain
The right of a government to take private property for a public purpose, usually with just compensation of the owner.