Seize
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /siːz/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Seize is a verb meaning (transitive) To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.
Meaning
(transitive) To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.
More Meanings
- (transitive) To take advantage of (an opportunity or circumstance).
- (transitive) To take possession of (by force, law etc.).
- (transitive) To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.
- (transitive, law) Alternative spelling of seise (“to vest ownership of an estate in land”).
- (transitive, nautical) To bind, lash or make fast, with several turns of small rope, cord, or small line.
- (transitive, obsolete) To fasten, fix.
- (intransitive) To lay hold in seizure, by hands or claws (+ on or upon).
Example Sentences
a fever seized him
to seize smuggled goods
a panic seized the crowd
to seize a ship after libeling
Word Forms
- seizes
- seizing
- seized
Synonyms for seize
Depending on context, synonyms include clasp, grasp, grip, beclasp, begrasp, begrip.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include prehend, grab, capture, conquer, clutch, take over.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.