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

Wildlife officers have busted an illegal cockroach-breeding operation in rural Australia, seizing a skin-crawling haul worth more than $100,000 on the black market for exotic bugs.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

All three major U.S. stock indexes closed at records as investors seemed to be seizing on hopes that a U.S.-Iran deal is in reach.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

And it seems important to have one judge say this about an out-of-control colleague who’s seizing cases from a thousand miles away.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

As machines increasingly replace humans on the front line, the greater the role of troops becomes in either seizing land or defending it.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

“Never mind, Ron,” said Hermione quickly, seizing Ron’s arm to restrain him as he took a step toward Malfoy.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Related Words

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