verb [VN]
1 ~ sth (from sb) to take sb/sth in your hand suddenly and using force
SYNGRAB:
She tried to seize the gun from him. * He seized her by the arm. * She seized hold of my hand.
2 ~ sth (from sb) to take control of a place or situation, often suddenly and violently:
They seized the airport in a surprise attack. * The army has seized control of the country. * He seized power in a military coup.
3 to arrest or capture sb:
The men were seized as they left the building.
4 to take illegal or stolen goods away from sb:
A large quantity of drugs was seized during the raid.
5 ~ a chance, an opportunity, the initiative, etc. to be quick to make use of a chance, an opportunity, etc.
SYNGRAB:
The party seized the initiative with both hands (= quickly and with enthusiasm).
6 (of an emotion) to affect sb suddenly and deeply:
Panic seized her. * He was seized by curiosity.
PHRASALVERBS
seize on / upon sth to suddenly show a lot of interest in sth, especially because you can use it to your advantage
SYNPOUNCEON/UPON:
The rumours were eagerly seized upon by the local press. * Peter seized on her last comment.
seize up
1 (of the parts of a machine) to stop moving or working correctly:
The engine suddenly seized up.
2 if a part of your body seizes up, you are unable to move it easily and it is often painful
