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Seizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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seizing

 

[ˈsiːzɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

take forcefully

To seize means to take hold of something forcibly and quickly. It can also refer to capturing someone or something, often by the use of force or aggression. Seizing can involve grabbing, snatching, or apprehending.

Synonyms

capture, grab, snatch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
seizing

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
grab

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
snatch

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
capture

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

Examples of usage

  • He seized the opportunity to make a quick profit.
  • The police seized the criminal after a high-speed chase.
  • She seized the trophy and held it high in triumph.
Context #2 | Verb

take legal possession

In a legal context, to seize means to take possession of property or assets as a result of a court order or legal authority. It can involve confiscating or impounding items due to non-payment or other legal obligations.

Synonyms

appropriate, confiscate, impound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
seizing

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
confiscate

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
impound

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
appropriate

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

Examples of usage

  • The bank seized the house due to non-payment of the mortgage.
  • The authorities seized the counterfeit goods at the border.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Middle English 'seisen' and Old French 'saisir', meaning to take or possess.
  • Its roots trace back to Latin 'apprehendere', which means to seize or grasp.
  • Over time, it evolved to include both physical grabbing and metaphorical meanings, like seizing opportunities.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, seizing often refers to authorities taking possession of items for evidence or legal action.
  • A 'seizure warrant' allows law enforcement to 'seize' property they suspect is connected to a crime.
  • Seizing can also imply the confiscation of goods that are illegal, like stolen items or unlicensed products.

Psychology

  • The concept of seizing opportunities is linked to psychological theories of risk and reward, often impacting decision-making.
  • People who are more likely to seize opportunities may exhibit proactive personality traits, enjoying challenges.
  • High levels of self-efficacy, or belief in one's abilities, can encourage individuals to seize chances more frequently.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters who seize the moment often find success, like in the famous phrase 'Carpe Diem' from 'Dead Poets Society'.
  • Songs about seizing moments, like 'Live Like You Were Dying' by Tim McGraw, emphasize making the most out of life’s fleeting chances.
  • Popular sports often highlight athletes who seize the moment during critical games, showcasing those who take advantage of their skills.

Science

  • In biology, seizing can refer to animals capturing prey, showcasing skills in hunting or survival.
  • The concept of 'seizure' in neurology refers to sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, leading to various symptoms.
  • Research explores how organisms seize opportunities in their environment to adapt and evolve, influencing survival rates.

Translations

Translations of the word "seizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apreensão

🇮🇳 जप्त करना

🇩🇪 Ergreifen

🇮🇩 penyitaan

🇺🇦 захоплення

🇵🇱 zajęcie

🇯🇵 押収

🇫🇷 saisie

🇪🇸 incautación

🇹🇷 ele geçirme

🇰🇷 압류

🇸🇦 مصادرة

🇨🇿 zabavení

🇸🇰 zabavenie

🇨🇳 扣押

🇸🇮 zaseg

🇮🇸 halda

🇰🇿 тәркілеу

🇬🇪 დაპატიმრება

🇦🇿 müsadirə etmək

🇲🇽 incautación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,758, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.