enteignen
Translation
to expropriate, to dispossess
Examples
Der Staat kann Grundstücke enteignen.
The state can expropriate real estate.
Man hat ihn seines Besitzes enteignet.
He was dispossessed of his property.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to expropriate (sb.) The state expropriated the farmers.
((sth.)) to expropriate (sth.) The state expropriated the land.
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.