ontoeien

Ontoeien is a Dutch verb that translates to "to appropriate" or "to usurp" in English. It generally refers to the act of taking possession of something, often property or rights, that rightfully belongs to someone else, usually through illegitimate or forceful means. The term carries a negative connotation, implying an unjust or unlawful acquisition.

The act of ontoeien can manifest in various contexts. It might involve a powerful entity seizing land from a weaker individual or group, or a person claiming ownership of an idea or invention that was not their own. The core of ontoeien lies in the disregard for existing ownership or rightful claims.

While direct English translations like "appropriate" or "usurp" capture the essence, "ontoeien" often carries a stronger sense of violation and unfairness. It suggests a deliberate act of taking what is not yours, often with an awareness that it is wrong. The verb is not commonly used in everyday casual conversation but appears in legal, historical, or more formal discussions where acts of dispossession are being described.