seized; seizing
1
a
usually seise
: to vest ownership of a freehold estate in
b
often seise
: to put in possession of something
the biographer will be seized of all pertinent papers
2
a
: to take possession of : confiscate
b
: to take possession of by legal process
4
5
a
: to attack or overwhelm physically : afflict
seized with chest pains
b
: to possess (someone's thoughts, mind, etc.) completely or overwhelmingly
seized the popular imagination—
Basil Davenport
Basil Davenport6
: to bind or fasten together with a lashing of small stuff (such as yarn, marline, or fine wire)
1
: to take or lay hold suddenly or forcibly
2
a
: to cohere to a relatively moving part through excessive pressure, temperature, or friction
—used especially of machine parts (such as bearings, brakes, or pistons)
b
: to fail to operate due to the seizing of a part
—used of an engine
seizer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of seize in a Sentence
The bank seized their property.
The army has seized control of the city.
A rebel group attempted to seize power.
He suddenly seized the lead in the final lap of the race.
He seized her by the arm.
He tried to seize the gun from him.
She was seized by kidnappers and carried off to a hidden location.
He seized the chance to present his ideas to his boss.
Seizing the moment, she introduced herself to the famous film director.
Recent Examples on the Web
Six of the firearms seized at his home were legally registered to him.
—Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
The Tariff Act of 1930 gives CBP authority to detain, further examine or seize goods that violate laws ranging from country of origin to intellectual property rights.
—Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
Trump also has seized on darker rhetoric used by far-right figures, raising questions about whether such incendiary language could become more broadly accepted in the GOP.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Cuellar's main challenger, Republican Jay Furman, a Navy veteran, has seized upon the scandal, running his campaign with anti-corruption and security as central themes.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for seize 
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show current usage.
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Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
The Tariff Act of 1930 gives CBP authority to detain, further examine or seize goods that violate laws ranging from country of origin to intellectual property rights.
—Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
Trump also has seized on darker rhetoric used by far-right figures, raising questions about whether such incendiary language could become more broadly accepted in the GOP.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Cuellar's main challenger, Republican Jay Furman, a Navy veteran, has seized upon the scandal, running his campaign with anti-corruption and security as central themes.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for seize
Articles Related to seize
Dictionary Entries Near seize
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seize. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
seize
verb
seized; seizing
1
: to take possession of by force
the wind seized the hat off my head
2
: to take prisoner : arrest
3
a
: to take hold of suddenly or with force : clutch
b
: to understand fully and clearly : comprehend
seize an idea quickly
4
: to attack or overwhelm suddenly (as with fever)
seizer
noun
Legal Definition
seize
transitive verb
seized; seizing
1
or seise
: to put in possession of property or vest with the right of possession or succession
stand seized of land
2
: to take possession or custody of (property) especially by lawful authority
seize drugs as evidence
the entry of a preliminary order of forfeiture authorizes the Attorney General…to seize the specific property subject to forfeiture—Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 32.2(b)(3)
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 32.2(b)(3)can seize the goods subject to his security interest and…keep them in satisfaction of the debt—J. J. White and R. S. Summers
compare foreclose, repossess
J. J. White and R. S. Summers3
: to detain (a person) in such circumstances as would lead a reasonable person to believe that he or she was not free to leave
determined that the defendant was seized when surrounded by police officers
seizable
adjective
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