seize: Meaning and Definition of

seize

Pronunciation: (sēz), [key]
— v., seized, seiz•ing.
—v.t.
  1. to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp: to seize a weapon.
  2. to grasp mentally; understand clearly and completely: to seize an idea.
  3. to take possession of by force or at will: to seize enemy ships.
  4. to take possession or control of as if by suddenly laying hold: Panic seized the crowd.
  5. to take possession of by legal authority; confiscate: to seize smuggled goods.
  6. to put (someone) in seizin or legal possession of property (usually used in passive constructions): She was seized of vast estates.
  7. to capture; take into custody.
  8. to take advantage of promptly: to seize an opportunity.
  9. to bind or fasten together with a seizing.
—v.i.
  1. to grab or take hold suddenly or forcibly (usually fol. by on or upon): to seize on a rope.
  2. to resort to a method, plan, etc., in desperation (usually fol. by on or upon): He must seize on a solution, however risky.
  3. to have moving parts bind and stop moving as a result of excessive pressure, temperature, or friction (usually fol. by up): The engine seized up from cold.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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