confiscate
verb (used with object)
to seize as forfeited to the public domain; appropriate, by way of penalty, for public use.
confiscated
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past participleof confiscate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof confiscate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
confiscateverb (used with object)to seize as forfeited to the public domain; appropriate, by way of penalty, for public use.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
According to the San Diego action, more than half of all ghost guns recovered in the U.S. are confiscated in California.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2026
His Apple Watch was still linked to his iPhone, which hours earlier had been confiscated by the officers now sleeping next door.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
After their reporters had their passes confiscated and were denied access to the building, the three outlets jointly launched legal action, calling the move unconstitutional.
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026
Klein similarly reported that her credential had been deactivated, while Politico said Haslett’s badge was confiscated.
From Salon ● Sep. 19, 2026
More than $2,400 had been confiscated from him when he was processed at Camp Greyhound, and when he was released, he attempted repeatedly to recover it.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
