sequestrate
UK: sɪˈkwɛstreɪt | US: sɪˈkwɛstreɪt
vt. to seize or confiscate property by legal authority
vt. to isolate or set apart (e.g., funds or assets)
Derived from Latin sequestrare ("to place in safekeeping"), combining se- (apart) and quaerere (to seek). The term evolved through Medieval Latin as a legal concept, reflecting the act of separating property for judicial purposes. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb in English.
The court ordered to sequestrate the company's assets due to unpaid debts.
During the investigation, the funds were sequestrated to prevent misuse.
Authorities can sequestrate illegal proceeds under anti-corruption laws.
The landlord threatened to sequestrate the tenant's belongings for unpaid rent.
In bankruptcy cases, a trustee may sequestrate the debtor's estate.