kən-ˈfi-skət
Examples of confiscate in a Sentence
Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
In recent weeks, dozens of vendors have been arrested, ticketed, cited or had their merchandise confiscated, particularly along Michigan Avenue and outside major events across the city, according to the Street Vendors Association of Chicago.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Law enforcement also confiscated, 509 kilograms of cocaine, 48 kilograms of fentanyl, according to the document.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
When Said returned to Iran in late January 2018, his passport was confiscated at the airport.
—Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for confiscate
Cite this Entry
“Confiscate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confiscate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
confiscate
transitive verb
Note: Illegal items such as narcotics or firearms, or profits from the sale of illegal items, may be confiscated by law enforcement officers. Additionally, government action that reduces the value of property to a person or entity as to make it nearly worthless has been held to constitute confiscation. Examples of such government action include the passage of zoning laws that prevent the use of land for its designated purpose and the setting of utility rates so low that the utility company cannot realize a reasonable return on its investment.
