Cool MateConfiscate vs Seize
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Confiscate
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Seize
Top 1,000 (very common)C1verb
Most common: Seize
| Confiscate | Seize | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkɒnfɪskeɪt//🇺🇸 //ˈkɑnfɪskeɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/siːz/","/ˈsiːzɪz/","/siːzd/","/ˈsiːzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/siːz/","/ˈsiːzɪz/","/siːzd/","/ˈsiːzɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To take something away from someone, usually by authority. | To take something quickly or suddenly. |
| Example | The authorities decided to confiscate the illegal goods found in the warehouse. | The police decided to seize the stolen goods as evidence in the case. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | confiscate property, confiscate items, confiscate evidence, confiscate assets, confiscate goods | immediately, suddenly, by, from, seize hold of somebody/something, immediately, suddenly, by, from, seize hold of somebody/something, immediately, instantly, quickly, be quick to, be ready to, be determined to, on, upon, an attempt to seize something, the power to seize something, the right to seize something, immediately, instantly, quickly, be quick to, be ready to, be determined to, on, upon, an attempt to seize something, the power to seize something, the right to seize something |
| Antonyms | return, restore | release, let go |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'confer' which means to give., Using 'confiscate' as a noun incorrectly., Omitting the subject in passive structure. | Confused with 'cease' which means to stop., Using 'seize' with wrong tenses, e.g. saying 'seized' when meaning present tense., Mistakenly using it without an object, e.g. saying 'I seize' instead of 'I seize the opportunity'. |
| Usage notes | Typically used in legal or formal contexts. Not suitable for casual conversations. | Use 'seize' when talking about taking control or possession of something. It can be used in legal contexts or to describe capturing opportunities. Avoid in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Confiscate vs Seize
What's the difference between Confiscate and Seize?
Confiscate: To take something away from someone, usually by authority. Seize: To take something quickly or suddenly.
Which is more common: Confiscate and Seize?
Seize is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Confiscate: The authorities decided to confiscate the illegal goods found in the warehouse. Seize: The police decided to seize the stolen goods as evidence in the case.
Can I use Confiscate and Seize interchangeably?
Not always. Confiscate and Seize are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.