confiscation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confiscation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of taking someone's property, typically by a government or authority, often for legal reasons. Example: "The confiscation of illegal goods was carried out by the customs officials at the border."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hope and Von Badlo will be sentenced on 16 January and the FCA said it will instigate confiscation proceedings against both defendants.

The Guardian - Business

In October 1984, six months into the dispute, the National Union of Mineworkers was desperate for cash to fund the strike, because a judge had ordered the confiscation of the union's entire assets.

The Guardian

However, the SFO concluded that the cost to the taxpayer of such a confiscation action would be too high and the prospect of substantial recoveries too low.

The Guardian - Business

The judge deferred a confiscation order on a huge haul of alleged protest equipment seized from 114 activists originally arrested, including Kennedy's BlackBerry phone, complete with a secret police tracking device.

The Guardian

The mass confiscation repeated a similar action by the NISS on 16 February when the print runs of 14 daily papers were seized.

The Guardian

Rubido, who did not take questions from the press, said the operation also lead to the arrest of three gunmen as well as the confiscation of 36 assault rifles and a grenade launcher.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, an increase in labour inspectors has led to existing laws prohibiting the confiscation of passports being better enforced.

The Guardian

It increased the maximum sentence for the worst offenders to life in prison and introduced a tough asset confiscation regime.

The Guardian

If they breach this ban, they face arrest for trespassing and the confiscation of their winnings.

The Economist

Scientists and environmentalists agree, though, that the effects of floods are made worse by deforestation, building on flood plains and population growth in cities. Africa's famine is made worse by poor land-use policies in some countries, and by, for example, the land confiscation programme pushed through by President Mugabe in Zimbabwe.

The Economist

It requires the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army from the recently reoccupied Palestinian cities, and the gradual resumption of the Palestinian Authority's policing duties, including the confiscation of illegal arms and the arrest of law breakers.Other moves, too, were in the air.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confiscation" when referring to the act of legally seizing property, especially by a government or authority. Be mindful of the specific legal and political connotations associated with the term.

Common error

Avoid using "confiscation" in casual conversation or informal writing when simpler terms like "taking" or "seizing" would be more appropriate. "Confiscation" carries a formal and often legal weight.

Linguistic Context

"Confiscation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act or process of confiscating. As noted by Ludwig AI, it denotes the taking or seizing of someone's property, especially by an authority. It is commonly used in legal and political contexts, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confiscation" is a noun denoting the act of legally seizing property, typically by an authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news, formal business, and to a lesser extent, scientific contexts. When writing, it is recommended to reserve "confiscation" for formal contexts and consider alternatives like "seizure" or "forfeiture" for more informal settings. This ensures precision and appropriateness in your writing. The most authoritative sources include The Guardian and The Economist, according to Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seizure

Focuses on the act of taking possession, often suddenly or forcefully.

expropriation

Refers to the taking of private property for public use, often by a government.

forfeiture

Suggests loss of property as a penalty for wrongdoing.

impoundment

Implies temporary holding, especially of vehicles or documents.

attachment

Legal seizure of property to satisfy a debt.

sequestration

The action of taking forcible possession of something; the act of segregating or isolating.

requisition

Formal demand for something to be surrendered.

commandeering

Taking possession of something forcibly, especially for military purposes.

appropriation

The act of taking something for one's own use, typically without permission.

arrogation

Taking or claiming something presumptuously or without justification.

FAQs

How is "confiscation" used in legal contexts?

In law, "confiscation" typically refers to the seizure of assets or property by a government entity as a result of illegal activity or violation of regulations. It often involves formal legal proceedings and court orders.

What are some synonyms for "confiscation"?

Synonyms include "seizure", "expropriation", "forfeiture", and "impoundment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "confiscation" the same as "theft"?

"Confiscation" is generally performed by an authority following legal procedures, while theft is an illegal act. "Confiscation" has legal grounds, while theft is unlawful.

What implications does "confiscation" have on property rights?

Confiscation raises significant questions about property rights, government authority, and due process. It often involves balancing the state's power to enforce laws with individual protections against unlawful seizure.