WordGarden.ioseize
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈiːz/
US
- /ˈsiz/
Meanings
Verb
to take hold of something suddenly and firmly
to take control of a place, person, or power by force
to officially take property by legal or institutional authority
More meaningsFewer meanings
to take an opportunity eagerly or immediately
to suddenly overpower or affect someone, especially a feeling or illness
to become stuck or stop moving, especially because mechanical parts jam
Beyond the definition
Imagine a pirate captain shouting, "Seize the ship!" That is the word in action. It means to grab something quickly and forcefully, often without warning. But it is not only about physically grabbing something. You can also seize an opportunity, which means you act on it right away. Your body can seize up with pain too, when muscles tighten suddenly and you can barely move. Think of a sharp cramp. It is a strong word that gives the sense of taking hold fast, whether of an object, a chance, or even your own muscles.
To seize something means to take possession of it quickly and decisively, often by force. Historically, it carried a strong connotation of taking something from someone else—like pirates seizing treasure or authorities seizing illegal goods. The phrase "The soldiers seized control of the city" illustrates this forceful takeover.
However, "seize" has broadened in meaning over time. You can seize an opportunity, which means to capitalize on it without delay. For example, "She seized the chance to study abroad" implies a proactive and decisive approach. This is the same spirit found in the famous phrase "seize the day."
Interestingly, "seize" also describes sudden physical or mechanical reactions. If someone experiences a seizure, their body is overcome by involuntary muscle contractions. Similarly, if you're running and your leg "seizes up," it means a muscle has suddenly cramped and become immobile. This can even apply to machinery; if an engine "seizes," its moving parts lock together and it stops working. In these cases, "seize" refers to something taking hold of you (or a machine) rather than the other way around.
The word comes from the Old French "saisir," meaning "to grasp." This root helps clarify its core idea: a firm, immediate taking hold. Whether it is grabbing an object, capitalizing on a moment, or a machine locking up, to seize is to take hold quickly and powerfully, often with unexpected force.
Examples
- 1
Physical action
She seized my hand and pulled me back from the edge.
- 2
Police search
The police seized several phones during the search.
- 3
Taking a seat
When he saw a free seat, he seized it at once.
- 4
Opportunity
Tina seized the opportunity to speak to the director.
- Phraseseize the opportunity
act quickly before the chance is gone
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Military control
The army seized control of the city overnight.
- Patternseize control of + place/organization
take power over it
- 6
Sudden fear
Panic seized him when he realized his passport was missing.
- Patternpanic seized + person
the person suddenly felt intense panic
- 7
Criticism
Her critics seized on one small mistake and ignored the rest of her speech.
- Patternseize on + point/mistake/idea
quickly use or focus on it, often to your advantage
- 8
Body stiffness
My shoulder seized up after I carried those heavy boxes all morning.
- Phraseseize up
suddenly become stiff and hard to move
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- seizeverb
Forms
- seizedpast tenseverb
- seizing-ing formverb
- seizesverb