seize

[seez]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR seize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), seized, seiz·ing.

to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp: to seize a weapon.

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.

Also seise. Law. to put (someone) in seizin or legal possession of property (usually used in passive constructions): She was seized of vast estates.

to capture; take into custody.

to take advantage of promptly: to seize an opportunity.

Nautical. to bind or fasten together with a seizing.

verb (used without object), seized, seiz·ing.

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.

Origin of seize

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

Related formsseiz·a·ble, adjectiveseiz·er; Law. sei·zor

[see-zer, -zawr] /ˈsi zər, -zɔr/, nounre·seize, verb (used with object), re·seized, re·seiz·ing.un·seiz·a·ble, adjectiveun·seized, adjective

Synonyms for seize

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR seize ON THESAURUS.COM

1. clutch, grab. 7. arrest, apprehend.

Synonym study

7. See catch.

Antonyms for seize

7. release.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for seize

catch, snatch, confiscate, commandeer, force, capture, arrest, apprehend, annex, occupy, ambush, take, hijack, kidnap, grab, overrun, impound, grip, enfold, compass

Examples from the Web for seize

Contemporary Examples of seize

They tried to seize funds that were raised for his legal defense.
Sentencing Looms for Barrett Brown, Advocate for “Anonymous”
Kevin M. Gallagher
December 15, 2014
The Patriot Act allows the Department of Justice to seize foreign bank assets in U.S. accounts.
Special Forces’ $77M ‘Hustler’ Hits Back
Kevin Maurer
December 8, 2014
Whether they will seize the moment, or play the same old politics as usual, remains to be seen.
How a GOP Senate Can Help the Poor
Veronique de Rugy
November 23, 2014
Imagine being an Iraq vet who lost friends securing a place such as Fallujah only to see ISIS now seize it.
It’s Time for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans to Get a Parade of Their Own
Michael Daly
November 11, 2014
But, in its own way, it was just another “big” moment, and he had to seize it.
Jeff Daniels Defends Aaron Sorkin and the ‘Dumb and Dumber’ Toilet Scene
Kevin Fallon
November 7, 2014

Historical Examples of seize

Russia sought to extend her conquests south and to seize upon Turkey.
The Grand Old Man
Richard B. Cook
If I succeed in this I shall doubtless be able to seize more of His bounty.
The Conquest of Fear
Basil King
For his love's sake, he must seize on this opportunity given of fate to him for mastery.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
But as she crossed as if to seize the boy, Napoleon sprang toward his uncle for refuge.
The Boy Life of Napoleon
Eugenie Foa
But he would dash out after her, seize her round the body, drag her back into the shop.
The Secret Agent
Joseph Conrad

British Dictionary definitions for seize

seize

verb (mainly tr)

(also intr foll by on ) to take hold of quickly; grabshe seized her hat and ran for the bus

(sometimes foll by on or upon) to grasp mentally, esp rapidlyshe immediately seized his idea

to take mental possession ofalarm seized the crowd

to take possession of rapidly and forciblythe thief seized the woman's purse

to take legal possession of; take into custody

to take by force or capturethe army seized the undefended town

to take immediate advantage ofto seize an opportunity

nautical to bind (two ropes together or a piece of gear to a rope)See also serve (def. 19)

(intr often foll by up) (of mechanical parts) to become jammed, esp because of excessive heat

(passive usually foll by of) to be apprised of; conversant with

the usual US spelling of seise

Derived Formsseizable, adjective

Word Origin for seize

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for seize

mid-13c., from Old French seisir "to take possession of, take by force; put in possession of, bestow upon" (Modern French saisir), from Late Latin sacire, which is generally held to be from a Germanic source, but the exact origin is uncertain. Perhaps from Frankish *sakjan "lay claim to" (cf. Gothic sokjan, Old English secan "to seek;" see seek). Or perhaps from Proto-Germanic *satjan "to place" (see set (v.)).

Originally a legal term in reference to feudal property holdings or offices. Meaning "to grip with the hands or teeth" is from c.1300; that of "to take possession by force or capture" (of a city, etc.) is from mid-14c. Figurative use, with reference to death, disease, fear, etc. is from late 14c. Meaning "to grasp with the mind" is attested from 1855. Of engines or other mechanisms, attested from 1878. Related: Seized; seizing.