# confiscate

/ˈkɑnfəˌskeɪt/ (US) · /kˈɒnfɪskˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/confiscate
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to take by authority

verb · CEFR B2

to take something away from someone using your power or authority.

For teachers: to seize private property by authority, often as a legal penalty or for security reasons. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- The teacher had to confiscate the student's phone because he was using it during the exam.
- Customs officials are authorised to confiscate any prohibited goods discovered during a routine inspection of international cargo.

Usage: Always takes a direct object, usually the item being taken.

## Examples

- The teacher will confiscate your phone.
- Customs officials can confiscate any undeclared goods they find in your luggage.
- Under the new legislation, the state has the power to confiscate assets acquired through criminal activities, even before a conviction is secured.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.