English vocabulary · B2
Confiscate
/ˈkɑːnfəˌskeɪt/ · v.
It means to take something away by authority. You cannot keep it.
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Example sentences
- The teacher confiscated my phone in class.
- Fake bags were confiscated at the border.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — completely (from Latin)
- fisc — money box (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SEIZE — take quickly by force (Sudden & Forceful)
- IMPOUND — hold by legal order (Cars & Property)
- REMOVE — take away (General & Neutral)
Words with the same root
fisc — money box
- fiscal — about government money
Lesson notes
Confiscate. It means to take something away by authority. You cannot keep it.
Related: seize, impound, remove. Use confiscate when officials take it by law.
The teacher confiscated my phone in class. Fake bags were confiscated at the border.
From Latin. Con- means completely. Fisc- means money box. Completely into the money box — that is confiscate.