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Confiscated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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confiscated

[ˌkɒnfɪˈskeɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal action

Confiscated refers to the act of taking or seizing someone's property by an authority, often as a penalty or due to legal reasons. This can occur in cases of unlawful possession or when items are considered contraband.

Synonyms

appropriated, requisited, seized, taken.

Examples of usage

  • The police confiscated the illegal weapons.
  • Customs officials confiscated the smuggled goods.
  • The school confiscated the student's phone due to its inappropriate use.
  • His assets were confiscated following the fraud investigation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Legal systems worldwide allow for the confiscation of assets gained through illegal activities, known as 'asset forfeiture'.
  • Certain laws allow the government to 'confiscate' property without compensation in cases of public safety or violation of regulations.
  • During wars, valuables can be confiscated to support military efforts or aid.

Cultural References

  • In various novels, characters frequently face confiscation of their possessions as a critical plot point, often symbolizing loss or injustice.
  • Movies often depict 'confiscation' in the context of crime, where criminals face loss of their loot, adding tension to the storyline.
  • Political struggles in different cultures have seen protests against government confiscation of land or resources, reflecting the fight for ownership.

Historical Examples

  • In the early 20th century, the U.S. Prohibition laws led to the confiscation of alcohol from illegal sellers.
  • Various regimes throughout history have confiscated land from landowners to redistribute wealth, impacting societies significantly.
  • During the Great Depression, in some regions, belongings were confiscated if deemed non-essential for survival.

Psychological Aspects

  • The act of losing possessions through confiscation can lead to feelings of anger and helplessness, influencing personal agency.
  • Children often express rebellion against confiscation, seeing it as an infringement on their freedom and ownership.
  • Understanding the reasons behind confiscation can foster empathy, especially when considering those in authority trying to maintain order.

Origin of 'confiscated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'confiscare', which means 'to seal up together', combining 'con-' (together) and 'fiscare' (to put in the public treasury).
  • In historical contexts, 'confiscation' often involved taking property for state use or punishment.
  • The term has evolved to also refer to the seizure of illegal goods by authorities.

The term 'confiscated' originates from the Latin word 'confiscare', which means 'to seize, take away'. This was a combination of the prefix 'con-' indicating 'together' or 'with', and 'fiscus', meaning 'a public treasury'. Originally, the word was associated with government seizure of property for public use. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass any situation in which authority seizes property from individuals, particularly in the context of violating laws or regulations. It became used in legal parlance during the medieval period, as authorities sought to control and regulate property ownership and ensure compliance with laws. The term has retained its formal connotation, especially in legal settings where public or governmental bodies are involved in the confiscation of goods or assets.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,790, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.