Definition

1. Verb:

   • To take temporary possession of property as security, by legal authority: To officially and legally take something away from someone, often as a penalty or because it is illegal or used in illegal activity. The action is typically carried out by government or law enforcement officials.

2. Adjective:

   • Surrendered as a penalty: Describing property that has been taken away by authority as a form of punishment or legal sanction. This usage is less common than the verb form.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • The police can confiscate your passport if you are suspected of a crime.
  • School authorities confiscated the student's phone because he was using it during class.
  • The government has the power to confiscate property gained through corruption.

• Adjective:

  • The confiscate goods were stored in a warehouse as evidence. (Note: This adjectival use is rare; "confiscated" is the standard participial adjective).

Advanced Usage

• "to confiscate something from someone": This is the standard prepositional pattern.

  • Officials confiscated counterfeit money from the travelers.

• Legal Context: The term is strongly associated with legal and official procedures. It implies the seizure is backed by law or regulation, distinguishing it from simple theft.

  • Under the new law, the state may confiscate assets linked to terrorist organizations.

Variants and Related Words

• Confiscation (n): The act or process of confiscating.

  • The confiscation of the smuggled items was completed swiftly.

• Confiscated (adj): The common participial adjective.

  • The confiscated artwork was returned to its rightful owners years later.

• Confiscatory (adj): Relating to or effecting confiscation (often used in economic contexts like "confiscatory taxes").

Synonyms

• Seize: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly. ("Seize" is a very close synonym but can be broader, not always implying a legal penalty).
• Impound: To take legal possession of something, often until a claim is settled or a fine is paid (common for vehicles).
• Appropriate: To take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission (can be legal or illegal).
• Commandeer: To officially take possession or control of something, especially for military or public use.

Antonyms

• Return: To give back.
• Restore: To bring back to a former condition or owner.
• Release: To set free or allow to keep.

Related Phrases

• Subject to confiscation: Legally liable to be taken away.

  • Any illegal weapon found is subject to confiscation.

• Order of confiscation: A formal legal command authorizing the seizure.

  • The judge issued an order of confiscation for the defendant's property.

Adjective

1. surrendered as a penalty

Verb

1. take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority
   • The FBI seized the drugs
   • The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment
   • The police confiscated the stolen artwork