'confiscate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'confiscare,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'fiscus' meant 'treasury.'

'confiscare' transformed into the French word 'confisquer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'confiscate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to put into the treasury,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to seize for public use.'