v.
1. tr. take hold of forcibly or suddenly.
2 tr. take possession of forcibly (seized the fortress; seized power).
3 tr. take possession of (contraband goods, documents, etc.) by warrant or legal right, confiscate, impound.
4 tr. affect suddenly (panic seized us; was seized by apoplexy; was seized with remorse).
5 tr. take advantage of (an opportunity).
6 tr. comprehend quickly or clearly.
7 intr. (usu. foll. by on, upon) a take hold forcibly or suddenly. b take advantage eagerly (seized on a pretext).
8 intr. (usu. foll. by up) (of a moving part in a machine) become stuck or jammed from undue heat, friction, etc.
9 tr. (also seise) (usu. foll. by of) Law put in possession of.
10 tr. Naut. fasten or attach by binding with turns of yarn etc.
Phrases and idioms:
seized (or seised) of
1. possessing legally.
2 aware or informed of.
Derivatives:
seizable adj. seizer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF seizir, saisir give seisin f. Frank. f. L sacire f. Gmc