Seized: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal or legal contexts to describe taking something forcefully or suddenly, often by authority or law enforcement. It can have a negative connotation.

• The police seized the illegal drugs during the raid.
• His assets were seized by the government.

Informally used to describe taking something quickly and often abruptly. It is less forceful than 'seized' and can be used in both positive and negative situations.

• I need to grab my coat before we leave.
• He tried to grab the microphone from her.

Often used to describe quickly and forcefully taking something, usually with a connotation of theft or stealth. It has a negative connotation.

• The thief snatched her purse and ran.
• He snatched the paper out of my hand before I could read it.

Commonly used to describe holding something firmly, usually with the hands. It can also describe understanding a concept or idea.

• She grasped the rope tightly as she climbed.
• He finally grasped the importance of the lesson.

When you want to emphasize that something was taken suddenly and often forcefully, typically by an authority or in a legal context.

• The police seized the counterfeit goods during the raid
• The government seized the property of the convicted criminal

When something is taken away by an authority, often permanently, as a penalty or for legal reasons.

• The teacher confiscated the student's phone for using it during class
• Customs officials have the right to confiscate banned items

When something is taken or allocated for a specific use, often by someone in authority. Can have a negative connotation if implying misuse.

• The funds were appropriated to build a new school
• He was accused of appropriating company funds for personal use

When you want to indicate obtaining something over time, usually through effort or purchase, without any implication of force.

• She acquired a lot of valuable experience during her internship
• He managed to acquire a large collection of rare books

Usually used to describe the act of taking control of something quickly and forcefully, often in a sudden and unexpected manner.

• The police seized the stolen goods from the thief
• He seized the opportunity to speak with the CEO

Often describes being completely overcome or overpowered by something, whether it is emotions, tasks, or forces, with a slightly negative connotation.

• She was overwhelmed by the amount of work she had to complete
• The team was overwhelmed by the strength of their opponents

Often used to describe physically holding something tightly, but can also refer to a strong emotional or mental hold.

• He gripped the rope tightly while climbing
• The movie had the audience in its grip from start to finish

Typically used to describe the impact or influence something has on another thing, especially in terms of changing or altering it.

• The new law will greatly affect how businesses operate
• Her speech affected the audience deeply