The difference between Confiscate and Expropriate

When used as verbs, confiscate means to use one's authority to lay claim to and separate a possession from its holder, whereas expropriate means to deprive a person of (their private property) for public use.


Confiscate is also adjective with the meaning: confiscated.

check bellow for the other definitions of Confiscate and Expropriate

  1. Confiscate as a verb (transitive):

    To use one's authority to lay claim to and separate a possession from its holder.

    Examples:

    "In schools it is common for teachers to confiscate electronic games and other distractions."

  1. Confiscate as an adjective (obsolete):

    Confiscated; seized and appropriated by the government for public use; forfeit.

  1. Expropriate as a verb (transitive):

    To deprive a person of (their private property) for public use.