Definition

A person who takes away someone's property, usually by legal authority.

Example

The confiscator seized the illegal goods at the border.

Conversation

Did you hear about the confiscator at the school yesterday?

Yeah, I heard they took away a bunch of students' phones.

I wonder what gives them the right to act like that as a confiscator.

I guess they're just trying to keep the focus on learning.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Confiscator → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "fiscare" (from Latin "fiscus", meaning treasury or purse). The word refers to someone who takes property into the treasury, often by legal authority.

Memory Tip

Think of someone taking things 'together' ('con-') into the 'treasury' ('fiscus') — that's why a confiscator is someone who takes possession of items.

Visually Confused Words