# confiscation

/ˌkɑnfəˈskeɪʃən/ (US) · /kˌɒnfɪskˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/confiscation
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the act of taking something away from someone, usually by an authority like the police or a school. It is often done because the item is illegal or dangerous.

For teachers: the act of seizing or taking possession of something, typically by an authority or legal entity. Often implies a lack of consent from the owner and is frequently associated with legal or disciplinary proceedings.

## Examples

- The school's confiscation of mobile phones is a strict rule.
- The police conducted a search and the confiscation of several illegal weapons led to an immediate arrest.
- The legal battle over the confiscation of the family's assets lasted for over a decade, as the court weighed the state's interest against the individual's property rights.

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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.