seizes; seized; seizing
1
a
: to use legal or official power to take (something)
Police seized [=confiscated] the weapons and drugs.
The bank seized their property.
b
: to get or take (something) in a forceful, sudden, or violent way
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.
c
: to attack and take control of (a place) by force or violence
The soldiers seized [=captured] the fort.
2
a
: to forcefully take and hold (someone or something) with your hand or arms : grab
He seized her by the arm.
He tried to seize the gun from him.
She seized hold of my hand. [=she seized my hand]
b
: to take (someone) as a prisoner
The police seized [=arrested] the robbers.
Seize that man!
She was seized by kidnappers and carried off to a hidden location.
3
: to take or use (something, such as a chance or opportunity) in a quick and eager way
He seized the chance/initiative/opportunity to present his ideas to his boss.
My father taught me to seize the day. [=to do the things I want to do when I have the chance instead of waiting for a later time]
Seizing the moment, she introduced herself to the famous film director.
4
a
: to begin to affect (someone) suddenly
Panic seized him. = He was seized by panic.
b
: to have a powerful effect on (someone)
His movies seized the public's imagination. [=the public became very interested in and enthusiastic about his movies]
She was suddenly seized with the idea [=she suddenly had the idea] of owning her own restaurant.
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/seize. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.
Copy Citation
