<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to seize as forfeited to the public domain; appropriate, by way of penalty, for public use.</li><li>to seize by or as if by authority; appropriate summarily: The border guards confiscated our movie cameras.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>seized or appropriated, as for public use.</li></ul>