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confiscatory

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kənˈfɪs.kəˌtɔːri/

KK: /kənˈfɪs.kəˌtɔːr.i/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the act of taking away someone's property, usually by authority or law.


Example

The government implemented confiscatory measures to seize illegal assets.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the new law that has confiscatory measures for illegal items?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read something about it; it's pretty strict.
Sloth A
I think it's necessary to prevent crime, but it does seem a bit harsh with the confiscatory approach.
Sloth B
True, but maybe it will make people think twice before breaking the law.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
seizure
forfeiture
expropriative
Antonyms
permissive
liberating
allowing
Root Explanation

Confiscatory → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "fiscari" (from Latin "fiscus", meaning treasury or public revenue). The word refers to actions taken together by authorities to seize property for public revenue.

Memory Tip

Think of authorities acting 'together' ('con-') to seize property for the 'treasury' ('fiscari') — that's why confiscatory means related to seizing property.

Visually Confused Words
consecratory
constatory
consistory
communicatory
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