confiscate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /kənˈfɪs.keɪt/
KK: /kənˈfɪsˌkeɪt/
adjective
Definition
To take away someone's property, usually by a government or authority, often as a punishment or for legal reasons.
Example
The authorities decided to confiscate the illegal goods found in the warehouse.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new law that allows the police to confiscate illegal items?
Yeah, I think it's a good way to keep the streets safe.
I wonder how they decide what to confiscate though.
It probably depends on the situation and the officer's judgment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
seized
taken
appropriated
Antonyms
returned
restored
given
transitive verb
Definition
To take something away from someone, usually by authority or law, often because it is illegal or not allowed.
Example
The school decided to confiscate the students' phones during the exam.
Tense Forms
Past: confiscated
Past Participle: confiscated
Conversation
Did you hear they might confiscate our phones during the exam?
Yeah, I heard that too; it seems a bit extreme, right?
I mean, I get the reason, but it feels unfair to confiscate personal belongings like that.
Root Explanation
Confiscate is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "fiscare" (from Latin "fiscus", meaning treasury or purse). The word originally referred to the act of seizing property for the treasury, hence the meaning of taking something away, especially by authority.
Memory Tip
Think of 'together' ('con-') and 'treasury' ('fiscus') to remember that confiscate means to take something away for the treasury.
Visually Confused Words
reconfiscate
unconfiscated
consociate
consecrate
canonicate