seize

verb transitive

UK /siːz/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	seize
he/she/it	seizes
present participle	seizing
past tense	seized
past participle	seized

1
to suddenly and firmly hold someone by a part of their body or clothing
‘Listen,’ he said, seizing my wrist.
seize someone by something:
Before he could run away, she seized him by the collar.
Synonyms and related words
To hold something or someone
carry
hold on
hang on
1. 1a
  to quickly take something in your hand
  Hearing a noise, he seized his gun from the drawer.
  Synonyms and related words
  To hold something or someone
  carry
  hold on
  hang on
2
to take something using official power and force
Customs officials have seized 100 kilos of cocaine.
Action was taken to seize criminal assets valued at $200 million.
Synonyms and related words
To take something away from someone
go off with
seize
rob
1. 2a
  to take control of a place or situation using military force
  Eastern towns were seized by the rebels two years ago.
  The nation’s generals seized power in a coup.
  Synonyms and related words
  Invading and taking control by force
  invade
  occupy
  suppress
2. 2b
  to take something or someone away in an illegal and violent way
  Robbers tied up security guards and seized the money.
  Synonyms and related words
  To steal, or steal something
  steal
  walk off with
  rob
3
to gain control in a situation
seize control:
Their opponents had seized control of the army.
seize the initiative (=make certain that you are able to control a situation):
You must seize the initiative in discussions about salary.
Synonyms and related words
To limit or control something or someone
draw a line in the sand
limit
control
4
mainly literaryif a feeling or emotion seizes someone, it suddenly affects them very strongly
A wave of panic seized me.
She was seized by agonizing cramps.
Synonyms and related words
What feelings and emotions do
come over
return
run away with
5
be seized by sth
if someone is seized by an idea, they are strongly convinced that it is right
The prime minister was very seized by the need to build on everything he was seeing in that stadium.
Submitted from:
United Kingdom on 17/08/2012
Open Dictionary - August2012

phrases

seize an opportunity/chance

phrasal verbs

seize on

seize up

seize ​‌‌

be seized by sth

seize ​‌‌

be seized by sth

seize

seize