Seizing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal or legal contexts, often implying force or authority.

• The police are seizing the assets of the criminal organization
• He was seizing control of the company against the board's wishes

Used in informal contexts, usually referring to taking something quickly or suddenly, often with one's hands.

• She managed to grab the last piece of cake
• He tried to grab her hand before she fell

Used in situations where something is taken quickly and often without permission, carrying a negative connotation.

• The thief managed to snatch the purse before running away
• She tried to snatch a glance at the answers during the test

Used in situations involving taking something or someone by force, often against their will. It can also mean capturing moments or images.

• The photographer was able to capture the beauty of the sunset
• The soldiers planned to capture the enemy base at dawn

Used when taking control or possession of something quickly and often by force. This word can be used in both legal and non-legal contexts.

• The police were seizing illegal drugs from the suspects
• She was seizing the opportunity to speak in front of a large audience

Commonly used in contexts where an authority figure takes something away as a penalty, which can have a negative connotation.

• The teacher confiscated the student's phone during the exam
• Customs officers have the right to confiscate prohibited items from travelers

Typically used in legal or regulatory contexts to describe seizing property, often vehicles, that are kept until certain conditions are met.

• The police decided to impound the car since the driver had no valid license
• After failing to pay parking fines, her car was impounded by the city authorities

Often used in a formal or legal context when taking something for one's own use, typically without permission.

• The government may appropriate land for public use
• Several artifacts were appropriated by the museum without informing the original owners