confiscate
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.”
How to use confiscate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take something away from someone by force of authority, usually as a penalty.
Word forms
confiscated past tense, confiscates singular
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).
Synonyms
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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).