Appropriation is the act of taking something, usually without permission, like stealing your brother's french fries when he is momentarily distracted.
Appropriation originally referred to the taking of private property, usually by the government. Nowadays, appropriation can be positive or negative, but generally refers to taking something and making it your own –- like using melodies from other types of music in your song or your company’s appropriation of new technology to improve their product. Appropriation can also refer to the setting aside of funds by the government for a specific purpose, like for improving school systems or supporting the arts.
1 |
n |
a deliberate act of acquisition of something, often without the permission of the owner
|
2 |
n |
money set aside (as by a legislature) for a specific purpose
|
