Meaning of "confiscate"?

Question

The followings are the explanations of “confiscate” found in different dictionaries:
1.	Take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority.

2.	To seize as forfeited to the public domain; appropriate, by way of penalty, for public use.

The first explanation indicates a temporary action, the second indicates a permanent action.
Which is the true meaning of “confiscate”?

? · Accepted Answer

To take away lawfully; it is permanent unless the courts reverse the decision.

? · Answer

it means to take something away from someone either permanently. 
"The teacher confiscated my cellphone until the end of the period."
"My dog was confiscated by the police for biting a jogger."

? · Answer

often use for a limited time period; take a look at this:

Miss Edwards has confiscated my phone! (often temporarily)

His passport was confiscated by the police to prevent him from leaving the country. (temporarily for sure)

? · Answer

each meaning varies on sentence and grammar usage, but the first one is the most common

Meaning of "confiscate"?

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