confiscates; confiscated; confiscating
: to take (something) away from someone especially as punishment or to enforce the law or rules
Guards confiscated knives and other weapons from the prisoners.
The police have the authority to confiscate [=seize] the drug dealer's property.
The teacher confiscated all cell phones for the duration of the field trip.
Cite this Entry
“Confiscate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/confiscate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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