Seize meaning

What does “seize” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“seize” is a verb with 8 meanings. Its most common meaning is: take hold of; grab.

seize

take hold of; grab
“The sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter”
“She clutched her purse”
Synonymsprehend clutch
take or capture by force
“The terrorists seized the politicians”
“The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages”
take possession of by force, as after an invasion
“the invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants”
“The army seized the town”
Synonymsappropriate capture conquer
take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority
“The FBI seized the drugs”
“The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment”
Synonymsimpound attach sequester confiscate
seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
“He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town”
“he usurped my rights”
Synonymsassume usurp take over arrogate
hook by a pull on the line
“strike a fish”
affect
“Fear seized the prisoners”
“The patient was seized with unbearable pains”
Synonymsclutch get hold of
capture the attention or imagination of
“This story will grab you”
“The movie seized my imagination”
Synonymsgrab

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University