eminent domain
noun /ˌemɪnənt dəˈmeɪn/, /ˌemɪnənt dəʊˈmeɪn/
/ˌemɪnənt dəʊˈmeɪn/
[uncountable] (especially North American English, law)- the right to force somebody to sell land or a building if it is needed by the government The term eminent domain is also used in (British English) with reference to international law.CultureThe Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution states that ' just compensation' (= fair payment) must be given to the owner when this happens. Eminent domain is used, for example, when houses must be destroyed to build a new major road.