confiscate

[kon-fuh-skeyt, kuhn-fis-kit]

verb (used with object)

confiscated, confiscating 

1. to seize as forfeited to the public domain; appropriate, by way of penalty, for public use.

2. to seize by or as if by authority; appropriate summarily.

   The border guards confiscated our movie cameras.

adjective

1. seized or appropriated, as for public use.

confiscate

/ ˈkɒnfɪˌskeɪt /

verb

1. to seize (property), esp for public use and esp by way of a penalty

adjective

1. seized or confiscated; forfeit

2. having lost or been deprived of property through confiscation

Other Word Forms

• confiscatable adjective
• confiscation noun
• confiscator noun
• reconfiscate verb (used with object)
• unconfiscated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of confiscate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin confiscātus “seized,” past participle of confiscāre “to seize for the public treasury,” equivalent to con- con- + fisc(us) “basket, moneybag, public treasury” ( fiscal ) + -āre, verb infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of confiscate¹

C16: from Latin confiscāre to seize for the public treasury, from fiscus basket, treasury

Example Sentences

That gun was confiscated, leading her to purchase another gun.

From BBC

Just days before Sunday's pivotal parliamentary elections, Moldovan police said they had confiscated weapons and explosives in raids across the country.

From BBC

The government says it has strengthened powers by enabling plain clothes officers to inspect Blue Badges and confiscate those being used misused.

From BBC

In 2019, cafeteria workers at a Minnesota high school confiscated the hot meals of about 40 students with lunch balances over $15, dumping the trays and handing out cold sandwiches instead.

From Salon

Authorities confiscated devices, including laptops and smartphones thought to be operating the site, cash and several credit cards.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appropriate 
• expropriate 
• impound