seize

Universal Words 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