verb
confiscate
KON-fihs-kayt
Confiscate (verb) means to officially take away someone's property, often as a punishment or under legal authority. Example: “The teacher confiscated his phone during the exam.”
verb
1
To officially take away someone's property, often as a punishment or under legal authority.
"The teacher confiscated his phone during the exam."
"Customs officers confiscated the smuggled goods."
How to use confiscate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take something away from someone by force of authority, usually as a penalty.
Common pairings
confiscate property
confiscate a weapon
goods were confiscated
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- confiscates
- Past tense
- confiscated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher _____ his phone during the exam.
Etymology
From Latin cōnfiscō, "to seize for the public treasury" (fiscus).
Related words
Rhymes for confiscate
See all rhymes for confiscate →Frequently asked questions
What does “confiscate” mean?
The word “confiscate” means to officially take away someone's property, often as a punishment or under legal authority. In plain terms, to take something away from someone by force of authority, usually as a penalty.
How do you pronounce “confiscate”?
“Confiscate” is pronounced KON-fihs-kayt (/ˈkɑnfəˌskeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “confiscate” in a sentence?
Here is “confiscate” used in a sentence: “The teacher confiscated his phone during the exam.”
What part of speech is “confiscate”?
“Confiscate” is a verb.
Where does the word “confiscate” come from?
The word “confiscate” comes from Latin. From Latin cōnfiscō, "to seize for the public treasury" (fiscus).
