appropriated 🔊
Meaning of appropriated
To take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission, or to allocate funds for a specific purpose.
Key Difference
The word 'appropriated' often implies taking something, sometimes without permission, or setting aside resources officially for a particular use. It can carry a neutral or negative connotation depending on context.
Example of appropriated
- The government appropriated funds for the construction of new highways.
- The artist was accused of having appropriated designs from indigenous cultures without proper acknowledgment.
Synonyms
allocated 🔊
Meaning of allocated
To distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose.
Key Difference
Allocated is more neutral and formal, often used in official or organizational contexts, whereas appropriated can imply taking without permission.
Example of allocated
- The committee allocated a budget for community development projects.
- The school allocated more teachers to the science department this year.
seized 🔊
Meaning of seized
To take hold of something forcibly or suddenly.
Key Difference
Seized implies a more aggressive or sudden action, often without legal right, while appropriated can be more subtle or even legal.
Example of seized
- The authorities seized illegal goods at the border.
- Rebels seized control of the capital city overnight.
commandeered 🔊
Meaning of commandeered
To take possession of something, especially for military or official use.
Key Difference
Commandeered often refers to taking resources for urgent or official needs, while appropriated can be broader in context.
Example of commandeered
- During the emergency, the government commandeered private vehicles for evacuation.
- The general commandeered supplies for his troops.
expropriated 🔊
Meaning of expropriated
To take property from someone, especially for public use, often with compensation.
Key Difference
Expropriated is typically used in legal or governmental contexts, often with compensation, while appropriated can be more informal or unauthorized.
Example of expropriated
- The land was expropriated by the city to build a new park.
- Foreign-owned businesses were expropriated during the political upheaval.
annexed 🔊
Meaning of annexed
To incorporate territory into another political entity, often forcibly.
Key Difference
Annexed specifically refers to territorial acquisition, while appropriated is more general.
Example of annexed
- The empire annexed several neighboring regions.
- After the war, the victorious country annexed part of the defeated nation.
usurped 🔊
Meaning of usurped
To take a position of power or importance illegally or by force.
Key Difference
Usurped implies taking power or rights wrongfully, while appropriated can refer to objects or resources.
Example of usurped
- The general usurped the throne from the rightful king.
- He usurped control of the company through deceit.
claimed 🔊
Meaning of claimed
To assert ownership or right to something.
Key Difference
Claimed is more neutral and can be legal or informal, while appropriated often implies taking without full right.
Example of claimed
- She claimed the last piece of cake at the party.
- The explorer claimed the island in the name of his country.
confiscated 🔊
Meaning of confiscated
To take someone's property with authority, often as a penalty.
Key Difference
Confiscated implies legal authority and often punishment, while appropriated can be more general.
Example of confiscated
- The teacher confiscated the student's phone during class.
- Customs confiscated the smuggled goods.
hijacked 🔊
Meaning of hijacked
To seize control of something, often unlawfully or by force.
Key Difference
Hijacked implies force and often a dramatic or illegal act, while appropriated can be subtler.
Example of hijacked
- Terrorists hijacked the plane and diverted it to another country.
- The protest hijacked the political debate, shifting focus to their demands.
Conclusion
- Appropriated is a versatile word used when taking or allocating something, whether legally or not.
- Allocated can be used in formal settings where resources are distributed officially.
- Seized is best when describing forceful or sudden taking, especially without permission.
- Commandeered fits situations where resources are taken for urgent or official needs.
- Expropriated is appropriate in legal contexts, especially involving property for public use.
- Annexed should be used specifically for territorial acquisition.
- Usurped is ideal for describing wrongful taking of power or rights.
- Claimed works in neutral contexts where ownership is asserted.
- Confiscated is used when authorities take property as a penalty.
- Hijacked applies to dramatic or illegal takeovers, often involving force.