verb
1.
Synonyms: appropriate 1, accroach, annex, arrogate, commandeer, confiscate, expropriate, preempt, sequester, take
Related Word: occupy; usurp
2.
to take possession or control of usually suddenly and forcibly
the cat seized the fish and made off
seized the rope and dragged the boat ashore
Synonyms: catch, clutch, ||cotch, grab, grapple, nab, ||nail, snatch, take; compare catch 1
Related Word: fasten (onto), grasp, latch (onto), snap (at); apprehend, arrest; capture, secure, take over; abduct, carry off, kidnap, spirit (away or off)
Idioms: get into one's clutches, get one's hands ( or paws) on, lay hold (on or of)
Contrasted words: free, loose, release
3.
to affect especially as if by laying hold of
was seized with a coughing fit
Synonyms: catch, strike, take
Related Word: overtake; afflict