What does it mean to 'confiscate' something?

To 'confiscate' something means to take it by authority, usually in a legal context where a governing body or law enforcement removes an item from someone's possession. This action is typically applied to items that are deemed illegal or prohibited, such as contraband or property involved in a crime. The authority that confiscates an item has the legal right to do so, often as a means of enforcing laws or regulations. This term emphasizes the aspect of legality and the power held by officials to seize property without the owner's consent. The other options do not accurately reflect this meaning; for instance, borrowing temporarily refers to a consensual arrangement, purchasing implies a transaction with ownership transfer, and returning to the owner suggests restoring possession rather than taking it away.