What is the term for the government's power to seize private property for public use?

Eminent domain is the correct term for the government's power to seize private property for public use, with compensation provided to the property owner. This legal principle allows the government to take private land to benefit the public, often for projects such as highways, schools, or parks. The process typically involves a legal procedure where the government demonstrates the necessity of taking the property for a public purpose, and an appraisal is conducted to determine fair compensation.

The other terms do not relate to this power: encroachment involves a situation where one property owner unlawfully extends their use of the property beyond their boundaries onto someone else's land. Equitable redemption refers to a debtor's right to reclaim property in a foreclosure situation before a sale occurs. An escalation clause is a provision in a contract that allows for an increase in prices or payments based on specific conditions, often seen in lease agreements or contracts.