seizing

American  

[see-zing] / ˈsi zɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that seizes.

2. Nautical. a means of binding or fastening together two objects, as two ropes, or parts of the same rope, by a number of longitudinal and transverse turns of marline, wire, or other small stuff.

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seizing British  

/ ˈsiːzɪŋ /

noun

1. nautical a binding used for holding together two ropes, two spars, etc, esp by lashing with a separate rope

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Etymology

Origin of seizing

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; seize + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Iran attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, seizing two of them, according to Iranian reports.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

The senior U.S. official said the likelihood that Iran will shoot at the American ships involved in the blockade once they start seizing tankers is low, because their defensive capability has been so decimated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Other federal agents arrived in armored vehicles, quickly seizing control of the block.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Her energy was contagious, seizing entire parties across the venue.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Her older sisters had scorned their father by seizing control after he was forced to flee Alexandria.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby

Related Words

• abduction
• apprehension
• arrest
• confiscation
• imprisonment
• occupation
• seizure
• taking