Inverse condemnation is a term used in the law to describe a situation in which the Government takes private property, typically for a public use, such as for a road, Government building , or some other public use.  The private property owner is entitled to be compensated by this taking.  The ‘taking’ by the Government can by physical (where the Government actually seizes the land) or regulatory (where Governmental regulations deprive the private property owner of the right to use the property for its highest and best use.)