Dictionary
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. Also,seise. Law.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. Naut.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.
