Confiscation: meaning, definitions and examples

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confiscation

 

[ˌkɒn.fɪˈskeɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

The action of taking or seizing someone's property with authority.

Synonyms

appropriation, impoundment, seizure.

Examples of usage

  • Confiscation of the smuggled goods by customs officials.
  • The confiscation of the criminal's assets was ordered by the court.
Context #2 | Noun

government

The act of taking possession of private property by the state for public use or benefit.

Synonyms

expropriation, requisition, sequestration.

Examples of usage

  • The confiscation of land for the construction of a new highway.
  • Confiscation of assets to fund public projects.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from Latin origin, where 'confiscatio' means to seize property.
  • In the medieval period, kings would confiscate land or goods from rebels as a punishment.
  • During the various wars, many countries enacted confiscation laws to secure resources for military needs.

Law and Policy

  • Confiscation can be a legal process, often seen in cases involving illegal activities, like drug possession.
  • Certain countries have policies allowing authorities to confiscate items considered dangerous, such as weapons.
  • In civil asset forfeiture, police can take property suspected of being connected to crime, even if the owner is not convicted.

Social Implications

  • Confiscation can create tension between the government and citizens, especially if seen as unfair.
  • In the context of wealth disparity, confiscation of assets from the rich for redistribution has been a debated topic.
  • Historical instances of confiscation have sometimes led to protests and movements for equality.

Literature and Media

  • Confiscation is often depicted in stories where heroes fight against corrupt authorities stealing from the poor.
  • In dystopian novels, oppressive regimes frequently use confiscation as a tool to control the population.
  • Popular films often illustrate confiscation in the context of crime, showcasing the tension between law enforcement and criminals.

Economics

  • Many economies face debates on the effectiveness of confiscation as a means to combat crime versus individual rights.
  • Confiscation can sometimes impact the black market, as it limits access to previously acquired illegal goods.
  • The economic theory on confiscation argues it might deter illegal actions, but can lead to issues like loss of trust in government.

Translations

Translations of the word "confiscation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confiscação

🇮🇳 जप्ती

🇩🇪 Beschlagnahme

🇮🇩 penyitaan

🇺🇦 конфіскація

🇵🇱 konfiskata

🇯🇵 没収 (ぼっしゅう)

🇫🇷 confiscation

🇪🇸 confiscación

🇹🇷 müsadere

🇰🇷 몰수 (molsu)

🇸🇦 مصادرة

🇨🇿 konfiskace

🇸🇰 konfiškácia

🇨🇳 没收 (mòshōu)

🇸🇮 konfiskacija

🇮🇸 upptaka

🇰🇿 тәркілеу

🇬🇪 კონფისკაცია

🇦🇿 müsadirə

🇲🇽 confiscación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,071, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.