seize

[seez]

verb (used with object)

seized, seizing 

1. to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp.

   to seize a weapon.

   Synonyms: grab, clutch

2. to grasp mentally; understand clearly and completely.

   to seize an idea.

3. to take possession of by force or at will.

   to seize enemy ships.

4. to take possession or control of as if by suddenly laying hold.

   Panic seized the crowd.

5. to take possession of by legal authority; confiscate.

   to seize smuggled goods.

6. Law.,  Also to put (someone) in seizin or legal possession of property (usually used in passive constructions).

   She was seized of vast estates.

7. to capture; take into custody.

   Synonyms: apprehend, arrest
   Antonyms: release

8. to take advantage of promptly.

   to seize an opportunity.

9. Nautical.,  to bind or fasten together with a seizing.

verb (used without object)

seized, seizing 

1. to grab or take hold suddenly or forcibly (usually followed by on orupon ).

   to seize on a rope.

2. to resort to a method, plan, etc., in desperation (usually followed by on orupon ).

   He must seize on a solution, however risky.

3. to have moving parts bind and stop moving as a result of excessive pressure, temperature, or friction (usually followed byup ).

   The engine seized up from cold.

4. to have a seizure, as of epilepsy.

   He seized for about five minutes and then lost consciousness.

5. (of melted chocolate) to become grainy and clumpy from overheating or from contact with a small amount of moisture (often followed byup ).

   If the butter is too cold, the frosting will seize.

seize

/ siːz /

verb

1. to take hold of quickly; grab

   she seized her hat and ran for the bus

2. to grasp mentally, esp rapidly

   she immediately seized his idea

3. to take mental possession of

   alarm seized the crowd

4. to take possession of rapidly and forcibly

   the thief seized the woman's purse

5. to take legal possession of; take into custody

6. to take by force or capture

   the army seized the undefended town

7. to take immediate advantage of

   to seize an opportunity

8. nautical to bind (two ropes together or a piece of gear to a rope) See also serve

9. (of mechanical parts) to become jammed, esp because of excessive heat

10. to be apprised of; conversant with

11. the usual US spelling of seise

Other Word Forms

• seizable adjective
• seizer noun
• reseize verb (used with object)
• unseizable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of seize¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English saisen, seisen, from Old French saisir, from Medieval Latin sacīre “to place” (in phrase sacīre ad propriētam “to take as one's own, lay claim to”), from Frankish, perhaps akin to Gothic satjan “to set, put, place”; set

Word History and Origins

Origin of seize¹

C13 saisen, from Old French saisir, from Medieval Latin sacīre to position, of Germanic origin; related to Gothic satjan to _set ¹

Synonym Study

See catch.

Example Sentences

Political rivals and pundits seized on the moment as evidence of a candidate struggling under scrutiny.

From Salon

The former congresswoman’s Democratic rivals in the 2026 gubernatorial race seized on her comments, and Democratic strategists not associated with any candidate in the race also cringed.

From Los Angeles Times

Burkina Faso's military government led by Capt Ibrahim Traore seized power in a coup three years ago, and has had a frosty relationship with Western nations ever since.

From BBC

Thousands have died and millions have been displaced since 2021, when the army seized power, triggering a civil war with armed resistance groups and ethnic militias.

From BBC

World Animal Protection called on the provincial government to seize the belugas, saying it "must show leadership and ensure these animals receive the best possible care".

From BBC

Related Words

• ambush 
• annex 
• apprehend 
• arrest 
• capture 
• catch 
• commandeer 
• confiscate 
• force 
• grab 
• hijack 
• impound 
• kidnap 
• occupy 
• overrun 
• take 
• take over