appropriare

Appropriare is an Italian verb meaning to take possession of something that belongs to others, or to claim something as one’s own. It is often used in neutral or negative contexts, ranging from legal or administrative actions to everyday speech. The reflexive form appropriarsi is common when the subject acts to acquire or seize something for itself, for example through unauthorized means.

Etymology and sense evolution

The verb derives from Latin appropriare, formed from ad- plus proprius, meaning “own” or “one’s own.” In Italian, the term encompasses both the act of acquiring ownership and the broader sense of adopting or taking for oneself. The reflexive construction appropriarsi di qualcosa is the typical way to express that one has taken possession of a resource, asset, or idea.

Grammatical usage

Appropriare is a regular -are verb and is commonly used with a direct object or with the preposition di for the thing taken: appropriarsi di un bene, di fondi, o di un’opera. The reflexive form si appropriano is used for plural subjects in the present indicative. Participles and tenses follow standard patterns: ho appropriato, stavo appropriando, approprierebbe, ci approprieremo. The noun form appropriata/appropriazione (often followed by di) denotes the act or process of taking for oneself.

Legal and cultural nuances

In legal language, appropriazione indebita refers to misappropriation or embezzlement, i.e., the illicit taking of someone else’s property. Beyond law, appropriazione culturale is a common discourse focalizing on the adoption or adaptation of cultural elements by others, sometimes sparking debates about ethics and representation.

Examples

The administrator was accused of appropriarsi di fondi pubblici. Critics warned that the project represented cultural appropriation rather than genuine collaboration. See also: appropriazione indebita, appropriazione culturale.