Etymology Map
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Confiscate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to take possession of by authority

Where does the word "confiscate" come from? It comes from Latin confiscare, adopted directly into English (1550s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
confiscare
Latin · ancient
"to seize for the treasury"
'com-' plus 'fiscus', treasury, the root of 'fiscal'
2
Stage 2 of 2
confiscate
English · 1550s
"to seize"
'fiscus' was a basket for money
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Read the full story

Confiscate’s story begins in Latin: confiscare meant “to seize for the treasury.” 'com-' plus 'fiscus', treasury, the root of 'fiscal'. It reached English by 1550s as confiscate. 'fiscus' was a basket for money. Today, confiscate means to take possession of by authority.