Definition

1. Noun:
   • Someone who takes something for their own use: An "appropriator" is a person who takes possession of something, often without permission or legal right, for their own personal use or benefit.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The museum identified the wealthy collector as the appropriator of the stolen artifacts.
  • In the story, the villain is an appropriator who seizes land that does not belong to him.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Appropriator: This term is used in sociological contexts to describe a person or entity that adopts elements from a culture that is not their own, often without understanding or respect, and typically while members of the originating culture are marginalized.
  • The brand was criticized for being a cultural appropriator after using sacred indigenous patterns in its fashion line.

Variants and Related Words

• Appropriate (verb): To take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
  • He attempted to appropriate funds for personal expenses.
• Appropriation (noun): The action of taking something for one's own use.
  • The appropriation of public land was controversial.

Synonyms

• Expropriator: One who takes property, especially for public use, but often with compensation.
• Usurper: One who takes a position of power or property illegally or by force.
• Seizer: One who takes hold of something suddenly and forcibly.

Related Phrases

• To act as an appropriator: To behave in the manner of someone who takes things for their own use.
  • By copying the design without credit, the company was acting as an appropriator of intellectual property.

Noun

1. someone who takes for his or her own use (especially without permission)