Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

eminent domain

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.49 in modern English

Syllables: em-i-nen-t -do-main
IPA

18

Scrabble Score

13

Letters

6

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The right of a government over the private property within its jurisdiction. Usually invoked to compel land owners to sell their property in preparation for a major construction project such as a freeway.

American usage; Uncountable

noun

In feudalism, the legal interest or rights of a lord or superior in an estate in land held in fee, as opposed to the vassal's or tenant's interest.

Uncountable

Example Sentences

"The city council used eminent domain to make me sell my store."

Etymology

Calque of New Latin dominium ēminēns (literally “supreme ownership”).

Usage

American usage
Uncountable

Subject

Wiktionary places this term in Law.

Synonyms

compulsory purchase compulsory acquisition expropriation superiority

Antonyms

utile domain inferiority

Questions

What does eminent domain mean?: The right of a government over the private property within its jurisdiction. Usually invoked to compel land owners to sell their property in preparation for a major construction project such as a freeway.
Where does eminent domain come from?: Calque of New Latin dominium ēminēns (literally “supreme ownership”).

How to pronounce eminent domain

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