Seize: meaning, definitions and examples

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seize

 

[ siːz ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

take by force

To take hold of suddenly and forcibly; grasp.

Synonyms

clutch, grab, snatch

Examples of usage

  • He seized the opportunity to speak up at the meeting.
  • The police seized the stolen goods from the suspect.
Context #2 | Verb

arrest

To take or apprehend by legal authority.

Synonyms

arrest, capture, detain

Examples of usage

  • The police seized the criminal after a long chase.
  • The authorities seized the illegal contraband.
Context #3 | Noun

medical emergency

A sudden attack of illness, especially a stroke or an epileptic fit.

Synonyms

attack, convulsion, fit

Examples of usage

  • He suffered a seizure and was rushed to the hospital.
  • The patient had a seizure due to his medical condition.

Translations

Translations of the word "seize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apreender

🇮🇳 पकड़ना

🇩🇪 ergreifen

🇮🇩 merampas

🇺🇦 схопити

🇵🇱 chwytać

🇯🇵 つかむ

🇫🇷 saisir

🇪🇸 apoderarse

🇹🇷 ele geçirmek

🇰🇷 잡다

🇸🇦 استولى

🇨🇿 uchopit

🇸🇰 chytiť

🇨🇳 抓住

🇸🇮 zagrabiti

🇮🇸 grípa

🇰🇿 ұстау

🇬🇪 ხელში ჩაგდება

🇦🇿 tutmaq

🇲🇽 apoderarse

Etymology

The word 'seize' comes from the Old French word 'saisir', meaning 'to grasp or hold'. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. The concept of seizing something by force has been prevalent throughout history, from battles to legal actions. The word carries a sense of urgency and determination in its meaning.

See also: seized, seizing, seizure, unseized.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,086 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.