Verb
/inkaˈt̪aɾ/
The verb "incautar" refers to the act of taking possession of something, often by authority or legal means. It is commonly used in contexts involving the seizure of goods or property, especially in legal or economic situations.
Frequency of Use: "Incautar" is moderately frequent in both oral and written contexts, especially in formal contexts such as legal discussions, economics, and law-related news or documentation. It is more commonly seen in written form due to the nature of legal texts, although it can also be used in spoken contexts.
The police decided to seize the suspect's assets.
El juez ordenó incautar las pruebas para el caso.
The judge ordered to impound the evidence for the case.
Los agentes de aduana pueden incautar mercancía ilegal en la frontera.
While "incautar" is not typically used in many idiomatic expressions, it can be associated with phrases involving authority or legal contexts. Below are several sentences incorporating variations or related expressions that illustrate its usage:
The authority has the power to seize any asset deemed illegal.
Tras la investigación, se determinará si se debe incautar el dinero.
After the investigation, it will be determined whether to confiscate the money.
En situaciones de emergencia, los funcionarios pueden incautar suministros para ayudar a quienes lo necesiten.
In emergency situations, officials may impound supplies to help those in need.
El tribunal justificó su decisión de incautar documentos relevantes para el caso.
The word "incautar" is derived from the Latin "incautare," which means to seize. It combines "in-" (meaning into or upon) and "cautus," which implies to take care or to be on guard. Thus, the verb evokes the notion of taking control over something that requires protection or caution.
This comprehensive breakdown offers insights into the meaning, use, and related aspects of the word "incautar."