eminent domain
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary EnglishRelated topics: Laweminent domainˌeminent doˈmain noun [uncountable] lawSCL the right of the US government to take private land for public useExamples from the Corpuseminent domain• The power company is taking part of his land by eminent domain.• When Physioc refused to sell his property, the government condemned it and set about to take it under eminent domain laws.• The City bought the property under eminent domain proceedings after a protracted battle with the owner.