What is the term for the government's right to take private property for public use?

The term "eminent domain" refers specifically to the government's authority to take private property for public use, provided that the government pays just compensation to the property owner. This principle allows for the acquisition of land for various public purposes, such as roads, schools, or parks, reflecting the notion that individual property rights may be overridden for the greater benefit of society.

The process typically involves a formal legal proceeding where the government must demonstrate the necessity of taking the property for public use. It's important to note that eminent domain is backed by the Constitution, particularly the Fifth Amendment, which emphasizes that private property cannot be taken without just compensation.

While "condemnation" relates to the legal process of taking property through eminent domain, and "expropriation" can refer to similar government actions often in an international context, they do not capture the concept as precisely as eminent domain does. "Adverse possession" pertains to acquiring ownership of property through continuous possession and does not involve government action. Therefore, eminent domain is the most accurate term to describe the situation outlined in the question.