IPA

Dictionary definition of confiscate

To legally take possession of someone's property, belongings, or assets by authority or through legal procedures.
"The government decided to confiscate the land for the construction of a new highway."

Detailed meaning of confiscate

When an item or asset is confiscated, it is usually seized or taken away as a result of a violation of laws, regulations, or court orders. The act of confiscation typically occurs when authorities deem it necessary to enforce penalties, maintain public safety, or prevent unlawful activities. Confiscation often involves the removal of items deemed illegal, dangerous, or obtained through illegal means. It can occur in various contexts, such as law enforcement seizing contraband during a raid, the government taking over private property for public use, or customs officers confiscating prohibited goods at border checkpoints. Overall, the verb "confiscate" implies the lawful and authorized action of taking possession of something due to legal grounds or violation of established rules.

Example sentences of confiscate

1. The customs officials can confiscate illegal goods at the border.
2. If you violate the rules, they may confiscate your driver's license.
3. The police have the authority to confiscate stolen property.
4. The court ordered them to confiscate the assets of the fraudster.
5. The government can confiscate land for public infrastructure projects.
6. The teacher will confiscate any disruptive items in class.

History and etymology of confiscate

The verb 'confiscate' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'confiscare,' which is derived from 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'fiscus' meaning 'treasury' or 'public money.' This etymology aptly conveys the essence of 'confiscate' as the act of bringing something 'together' into the public treasury or authority's possession. It implies a legal procedure or authority taking possession of someone's property, belongings, or assets for various reasons, often due to violations of the law or legal processes. The term 'confiscate' maintains its etymological connection to the concept of transferring ownership or control of assets to a public authority, reflecting its legal and authoritative nature.

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Further usage examples of confiscate

1. Authorities may confiscate counterfeit merchandise from vendors.
2. Failure to pay taxes can result in the government confiscating assets.
3. Smuggling can lead to the confiscation of contraband goods.
4. The bank can confiscate your car if you default on the loan.
5. Customs agents often confiscate undeclared items at the airport.
6. They will confiscate your passport if you're a flight risk.
7. The landlord may confiscate the security deposit for damages.
8. The authorities will confiscate the illegal firearms.
9. The court can confiscate property as part of a divorce settlement.
10. Non-compliance with regulations may lead to asset confiscation.
11. The police can confiscate vehicles used in criminal activities.
12. Wildlife officials confiscate poached animals and trophies.
13. The government may confiscate assets in cases of corruption.
14. Schools can confiscate phones during exams to prevent cheating.
15. Border patrol agents may confiscate prohibited agricultural items.
16. The school principal can confiscate inappropriate literature.
17. Failure to declare large sums of money can result in confiscation.
18. The authorities will confiscate the illegal gambling machines.
19. The court has the power to confiscate embezzled funds.
20. They will confiscate any unregistered firearms.
21. Airlines may confiscate oversized carry-on luggage.
22. The government could confiscate property for unpaid taxes.
23. Customs officers often confiscate counterfeit luxury goods.
24. The police can confiscate vehicles involved in illegal street racing.