confiscate (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒnfɪskeɪt/

Definition

To take or seize someone's property with legal authority, especially as a penalty for breaking a law or rule.

Examples

• The customs officers will confiscate any undeclared goods.

• The school principal decided to confiscate the student's phone for the rest of the day.

• Authorities have the power to confiscate assets gained through criminal activity.

How to Use confiscate

confiscate [something] (collocation)

To take possession of an item or property. — "The teacher confiscated the noisy toy from the child."

confiscate [something] from [someone/somewhere] (prepositional phrase)

To take possession of an item or property from a specific person or place. — "Police confiscated the drugs from the suspect's apartment."

Synonyms of confiscate

Words with a similar meaning to confiscate:

• seize
• impound
• appropriate
• expropriate

Antonyms of confiscate

Words with the opposite meaning to confiscate:

• return
• restore
• restitute

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