confiscate
Translation
to confiscate, to seize, to impound
Examples
The teacher confiscated his mobile phone.
The teacher confiscated his mobile phone.
Customs can confiscate illegal goods.
Customs can confiscate illegal goods.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((from sb.)) to take (sth.) away from (sb.) as a penalty The police confiscated the weapon from the suspect.
Similar Words
Synonyms: seize, impound, expropriate; Antonyms: return, release
Etymology
From Latin 'con-' (together) + 'fiscus' (treasury). Literally 'to put into the treasury'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'fiscal' matters. It's when an authority takes property into its treasury.