seize up

phrasal verb

seized up; seizing up; seizes up

: to stop working because the moving parts can no longer move

The engine/brakes suddenly seized up.

—sometimes used figuratively

Her brain seized up when she tried to answer the question.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

For many years, Palmen performed nearly all vehicle maintenance by himself, including starting each vehicle regularly to ensure the engines did not seize up, according to the auction house. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2023