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seize
[ seez ]
verb (used with object)
- to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp:
to seize a weapon.
Synonyms: ,
- to grasp mentally; understand clearly and completely:
to seize an idea.
- to take possession of by force or at will:
to seize enemy ships.
- to take possession or control of as if by suddenly laying hold:
Panic seized the crowd.
- to take possession of by legal authority; confiscate:
to seize smuggled goods.
She was seized of vast estates.
- to capture; take into custody.
Synonyms: ,
Antonyms:
- to take advantage of promptly:
to seize an opportunity.
- Nautical. to bind or fasten together with a seizing.
verb (used without object)
- to grab or take hold suddenly or forcibly (usually followed by on or upon ):
to seize on a rope.
- to resort to a method, plan, etc., in desperation (usually followed by on or upon ):
He must seize on a solution, however risky.
- to have moving parts bind and stop moving as a result of excessive pressure, temperature, or friction (usually followed by up ):
The engine seized up from cold.
- to have a seizure, as of epilepsy:
He seized for about five minutes and then lost consciousness.
- (of melted chocolate) to become grainy and clumpy from overheating or from contact with a small amount of moisture (often followed by up ):
If the butter is too cold, the frosting will seize.
seize
/ ː /
verb
- also intrfoll byon to take hold of quickly; grab
she seized her hat and ran for the bus
- sometimes foll byon or upon to grasp mentally, esp rapidly
she immediately seized his idea
- to take mental possession of
alarm seized the crowd
- to take possession of rapidly and forcibly
the thief seized the woman's purse
- to take legal possession of; take into custody
- to take by force or capture
the army seized the undefended town
- to take immediate advantage of
to seize an opportunity
- nautical to bind (two ropes together or a piece of gear to a rope) See also serve
- introften foll byup (of mechanical parts) to become jammed, esp because of excessive heat
- passiveusually foll byof to be apprised of; conversant with
- the usual US spelling of seise
Derived Forms
- ˈ, adjective
Other Word Forms
- ·· adjective
- · Law. ·ǰ [see, -zer, -zawr], noun
- · verb (used with object) reseized reseizing
- un··· adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of seize1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
But Labour's opponents were quick to seize on the former prime minister's words.
According to the human rights group Al-Haq, more than 70% of Gaza is now inaccessible to its residents, with reports indicating that Israel has seized more than 37% of the land.
But the government has seized on the cost aspects of the newly published report.
Leavitt also touted an immigration raid at an "underground" nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Sunday, where she said officials detained more than 100 undocumented immigrants and seized weapons and drugs.
Since Trump took office in January, hurling insults and threatening devastating tariffs and U.S. drone strikes, Mexico has been seized by a nationalistic fervor.
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