# seize

Pronunciation: say "SEEZ" /siːz/

## Verb

1. To take possession of something by force, legal authority, or similar means.
   - Simple: To take control of something by force or by law.
   - _Customs agents seized the shipment of counterfeit goods._
   - _Governments may seize land for public projects under certain laws._
2. To make the most of an opportunity or advantageous circumstance as it arises.
   - Simple: To quickly use a good chance before it is gone.
   - _The company seized the moment to expand into new markets._
   - _Investors who seize emerging trends early often profit most._
3. To take hold of someone or something suddenly and firmly, especially with the hands or claws.
   - Simple: To grab someone or something quickly and firmly.
   - _She seized the rope and pulled herself up onto the ledge._
   - _He lunged forward to seize her wrist before she could step off the curb._
4. To have a sudden and powerful effect upon someone, as a strong emotion or sensation does.
   - Simple: To suddenly affect someone with a strong feeling.
   - _Terror seized her the instant she heard the scream._
   - _Doubt began to seize him as the deadline approached._
5. To bind or lock in position immovably, as a moving part does when it jams.
   - Simple: To get stuck and stop moving, like a machine part that locks up.
   - _The bearing seized after the lubricant burned away._
   - _Pistons can seize when an engine overheats._
6. To experience a seizure, with sudden uncontrolled muscle activity or altered consciousness.
   - Simple: To suddenly shake or lose control of your body during a seizure.
   - _The toddler seized twice before the medication took effect._
   - _Patients who seize repeatedly may need long-term treatment._
7. Of chocolate: to change suddenly from a smooth fluid into a hard, gritty mass.
   - Simple: To suddenly go thick, hard and grainy instead of smooth, used about chocolate.
   - _The chocolate seized as soon as steam reached the bowl._
   - _Overheated couverture can seize and become unusable for dipping._

## Other meanings

- (verb) To fasten or bind something firmly in place, especially (in nautical use) by lashing it with several tight turns of light line.
- (verb) To vest a person with legal ownership of an estate in land.
- (verb) Of a court, council, or other official body: to have a case or matter formally before it for consideration or decision; used in the passive with 'of' (be seized of).

## Origin

Earlier spelled 'seise', the word came through Middle English from Old French seisir ('to take possession of'). One proposed origin traces the French word through Early Medieval Latin sacīre ('to lay claim to, appropriate') to Frankish and other Germanic roots connected with legal claims, which would link it to 'sake'. Another derives the Old French word directly from a Germanic verb related to English 'set'.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/seize (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).