seize
verb (used with object)
to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp.
were seizing
-
past progressiveof seize.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By the time staff reached the two dolphins, he said, they were seizing on the beach.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2024
In July 2023, members of Niger's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace and appeared on national television saying they were seizing power to end the "deteriorating security situation and bad governance."
From Reuters ● Aug. 30, 2023
The Portuguese were humming from the start, and given the speed with which they were performing and the amount of space they were seizing, the Swiss were no match.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 6, 2022
The episode took place as the police were seizing canisters of fuel being delivered to protester encampments.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 8, 2022
Finally, the depot master at the railroad told Jack’s mother not to expect the shipment, that the Nazis were seizing everything coming in by rail.
From "Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps" by Andrea Warren
