beschlagnahmen
Translation
to confiscate, to seize, to impound, to requisition
Examples
Die Polizei beschlagnahmte das Diebesgut.
The police confiscated the stolen goods.
Sein Auto wurde beschlagnahmt.
His car was impounded.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) from ((sb.)) to confiscate sth. from sb. The police confiscated the drugs from the dealer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: konfiszieren, einziehen; Antonyms: freigeben (to release)
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' (making a verb transitive) + 'Schlag' (a blow, strike) + 'nahmen' (from 'nehmen', to take). It implies taking something by force or official action.
Memory Tips
Imagine an official giving a 'Schlag' (strike) with a stamp on an item and then they 'nehmen' (take) it. This is 'beschlagnahmen'.