eminent domain

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

ˌeminent doˈmain 7 [eminent domain] BrE NAmE noun uncountable (NAmE, law)
the right to force sb to sell land or a building if it is needed by the government

Culture:
The 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 motorway/freeway.