seize
Pronunciation Verb

seize (seizes, present participle seizing; past and past participle seized)

  1. (transitive) To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.
    Synonyms: clasp, grasp, grip, Thesaurus:grasp
  2. (transitive) To take advantage of (an opportunity or circumstance).
    Synonyms: jump on
  3. (transitive) To take possession of (by force, law etc.).
    Synonyms: arrogate, commandeer, confiscate
    to seize smuggled goods
    to seize a ship after libeling
  4. (transitive) To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.
    • 2010, Antonio Saggio, A Secret van Gogh: His Motif and Motives, ISBN 9781447507932, gbooks Ts1vAgAAQBAJ:
      This sensation of an object becoming alive is a characteristic that, I believe, seizes all viewers of a van Gogh. The Bible goes beyond being a simple still-life object to become a living thing, an expression of strength, an existence that emanates from itself, beyond the painting surface to participate in our very lives.
    a panic seized the crowd
    a fever seized him
  5. (transitive, nautical) To bind, lash or make fast, with several turns of small rope, cord, or small line.
    to seize two fish-hooks back to back
    to seize or stop one rope on to another
  6. (transitive, obsolete) To fasten, fix.
  7. (intransitive) To lay hold in seizure, by hands or claws (+ on or upon).
    to seize on the neck of a horse
  8. (intransitive) To have a seizure.
  9. (intransitive) To bind or lock in position immovably; see also seize up.
    Rust caused the engine to seize, never to run again.
  10. (UK, intransitive) To submit for consideration to a deliberative body.
  11. (law) (with of) To cause (an action or matter) to be or remain before (a certain judge or court).
    This Court will remain seized of this matter.
Related terms Translations Translations Translations Translations
  • Portuguese: tomar conta de, apoderar-se de
Translations
  • Portuguese: convulsionar, convulsionar-se, convulsar, convelir,
  • Spanish: conveler
Translations
  • French: se gripper (of a motor or other machine)



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