DictionaryAI

seize

verb
SEEZ/siːz/

Formsseizes, seizing, seized

10 meanings of seize

Practice

  1. 1
    take controlverbtransitive
    To take control of something by force or by law.

    Like taking back a toy from someone who grabbed it without asking.

    The army seized the city after a long battle.

    Officials can seize property if taxes go unpaid.

    UsageWrite seize (not incorrect: sieze).

    Similarconfiscate, commandeer, attach, arrogate

    Oppositerelease, return

    Note
  2. 2
    use a chanceverbtransitive
    To quickly use a good chance before it is gone.

    Like grabbing the last seat on a bus before it fills up.

    She seized the chance to study abroad for a year.

    Seize this opportunity while you still can.

    UsageSay seize the chance.

    Similargrab, grasp, take, embrace, exploit

    Oppositemiss, squander, waste

  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To grab someone or something quickly and firmly.

    Like quickly grabbing a ball before it rolls away.

    The thief tried to seize her bag and run.

    The baby seized my finger and held on tight.

    UsageSay seize someone by the arm.

    Similargrab, grasp, grip, clutch, snatch

    Oppositerelease, drop

    Note
  4. 4
    sudden feelingverbtransitive
    To suddenly affect someone with a strong feeling.

    Like a strong feeling grabbing you all at once.

    Panic seized the crowd when the lights went out.

    A sudden fear can seize you in the dark.

    UsageSay fear seized her, or she was seized with fear.

    Similargrip, overcome, overwhelm, possess, overtake

    Note
  5. 5
    get stuckverbintransitive
    To get stuck and stop moving, like a machine part that locks up.

    Like a rusty hinge that won't move at all.

    The engine will seize if it runs without oil.

    Old locks often seize after years of rust.

    UsageSay the engine seized up.

    Similarjam, lock, stick, freeze

Practice

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Origin

It came through Old French seisir, meaning 'to take possession of', from a medieval Latin word that meant 'to lay claim to'. This came from old Germanic words linked to making a legal claim or quarreling.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

  • The word came through Old French seisir, meaning to take possession of. en.wiktionary.org
  • The ancestor was Early Medieval Latin sacīre, rather than early Latin; the meaning 'to lay claim to' is supported. en.wiktionary.org
  • The Latin word had Germanic ancestry associated with legal claims and quarreling. en.wiktionary.org