appropriation
UK: əˌprəʊpriˈeɪʃn | US: əˌproʊpriˈeɪʃn
n. the act of taking something for one's own use, typically without permission
n. the allocation or setting aside of funds for a specific purpose
n. (legal) the process by which a government or authority assumes control of property
appropriation = ap<to, toward> + propri<one's own> + ation<noun suffix>
- ap (variant of "ad," from Latin ad, meaning "to, toward")
- propri (from Latin proprius, meaning "one's own")
- ation (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin appropriare ("to make one's own"), combining ad- (toward) and proprius (own). It entered Middle English via Old French appropriacion, initially referring to the act of claiming ownership. Over time, it expanded to include legal and financial contexts, reflecting the logic of "directing something toward one's control."
The artist sued the company for unauthorized appropriation of her design.
Congressional approval is required for the appropriation of federal funds.
Cultural appropriation often sparks debates about respect and originality.
The land's appropriation by the government displaced local farmers.
His speech included an appropriation of phrases from historical leaders.