Definition of: confiscate

(kon′fis·kāt) v.t. ·cat·ed, ·cat·ing
1. To appropriate as forfeited to the public use or treasury, usually as a penalty.
2. To appropriate by or as by authority.
—adjective Appropriated or forfeited. [<L confiscatus, pp. of confiscare <com- together + fiscus chest, treasury]
—con·fis·ca·ble (kən·fis′kə·bəl), con′fis·cat′a·ble adjective
— con′fis·ca′tion n.
— con′fis·ca′tor n.
—con·fis·ca·to·ry (kən·fis′· kə·tôr′ē, -tō′rē) adjective