confiscate
verb (used with object)
to seize as forfeited to the public domain; appropriate, by way of penalty, for public use.
are confiscating
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present progressiveof confiscate.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
The authorities are confiscating families’ properties, or setting such high bail for arrested family members that people are forced to sell their possessions, she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
But while French police are confiscating more dinghies and preventing more crossings, they can only reduce the flow of departures.
From Reuters ● Aug. 5, 2021
Asked about how they are addressing the gun violence, he said that the police are confiscating guns — 4,629 so far this year, over 10,000 last year.
From New York Times ● Jul. 5, 2020
Director of Forestry Clement Chilima said forest guards are confiscating charcoal at roadblocks “out of desperation to kill the market or reduce demand”.
From Reuters ● May 25, 2015
Campaigns desperate to prevent embarrassing video and audio snippets already are confiscating smartphones at closed-door events.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 18, 2012
