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| seize [ seez ] (past and past participle seized, present participle seiz·ing, 3rd person present singular seiz·es) |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb take hold of something: to take a hold of an object quickly and firmly
  seized the letter from his hand
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2. transitive verb exploit something immediately: to take advantage of something such as a chance eagerly and immediately
seize an opportunity
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3. transitive verb affect somebody suddenly: to overwhelm the mind or emotions suddenly
seized by panic
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4. transitive verb affect somebody physically: to overwhelm somebody physically
Yet another spasm seized him.
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5. transitive verb appropriate something: to take official or legal possession of something, often something held illegally such as arms, drugs, or stolen goods
The shipment was seized by customs officials.
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6. transitive verb arrest somebody: to take somebody into custody
seized the suspects after a chase
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7. transitive and intransitive verb comprehend something: to understand an idea or concept, especially quickly
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8. intransitive verb stop working: to become jammed, especially as a result of great heat, pressure, or friction, often arising from lack of lubrication
The engine seized up.
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9. intransitive verb stiffen up: to become painfully stiff and immobile
My leg's just seized up.
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10. intransitive verb stop: to come to a sudden and sometimes permanent halt
The negotiations seized up after the most recent incident.
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11. transitive verb law give legal possession to somebody: to make somebody the legal owner of property or goods
The families were seized of all the relevant documentation.
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12. transitive verb nautical lash something: to tie or secure something by lashing it using several turns of thin rope or wire
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| [13th century. Via Old French saisir< medieval Latin sacire "to claim" < Germanic] |
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| seiz·a·ble adjective |
| seiz·er noun |
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seized of
1. lawin control of
2. engaged with and interested in (formal)
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