/ siːz; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
seize sth (from sb) to take sb/sth in your hand suddenly and using force
SYN grab :
She tried to seize the gun from him.
He seized her by the arm.
She seized hold of my hand.
2.
seize sth (from sb) to take control of a place or situation, often suddenly and violently :
They seized the airport in a surprise attack.
The army has seized control of the country.
He seized power in a military coup.
3.
to arrest or capture sb :
The men were seized as they left the building.
4.
to take illegal or stolen goods away from sb :
A large quantity of drugs was seized during the raid.
5.
seize a chance, an opportunity, the initiative, etc. to be quick to make use of a chance, an opportunity, etc.
SYN grab :
The party seized the initiative with both hands (= quickly and with enthusiasm) .
6.
( of an emotion ) to affect sb suddenly and deeply :
Panic seized her.
He was seized by curiosity.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- seize on / upon sth
- seize up
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French seizir give seisin (possession of land), from medieval Latin sacire , in the phrase ad proprium sacire claim as one's own, from a Germanic base meaning procedure.