'Zhēng yòng' is a formal verb meaning to officially seize or appropriate property, land, or resources—usually by government or public authorities—for urgent public purposes like disaster relief, infrastructure development, or national defense. The character '征' (zhēng) conveys the sense of 'to levy', 'to conscript', or 'to requisition by authority', while '用' (yòng) means 'to use'. Together, they emphasize authorized, temporary, and legally sanctioned use—not permanent ownership transfer.

This term appears frequently in legal, administrative, and news contexts, especially when discussing land acquisition, emergency mobilization, or wartime measures. It carries a strong connotation of legitimacy and public interest, distinguishing it from arbitrary seizure or confiscation. Unlike casual borrowing or renting, 'zhēng yòng' implies compensation may be required (though not always immediate), and the original owner retains certain rights. It is rarely used for personal or commercial appropriation—only for state-sanctioned, collective-benefit actions.