enteignen
Translation
to expropriate, to dispossess
Examples
Der Staat kann Grundstücke enteignen.
The state can expropriate properties.
Man hat ihn seines Besitzes enteignet.
He was dispossessed of his property.
Grammar Patterns
((j-n)) to expropriate (sb.) Der Staat hat die Bauern enteignet.
((et4)) to expropriate (sth.) Der Staat hat das Land enteignet.
Similar Words
beschlagnahmen (to confiscate), konfiszieren (to confiscate)
Etymology
From 'ent-' (prefix for removal) + 'eigen' (own) + '-en' (verb ending). Literally 'to de-own' or 'to take ownership away'.
Memory Tips
Break it down: 'ent-' (away) + 'eigen' (own). To take someone's 'own' property away.