plural seizures
1
: the act of taking control of something especially by force or violence
the seizure of power by the rebels
2
law
: the act of taking something by legal authority
property that is protected from seizure
the seizure of evidence by the police
Not all searches and seizures by the police require a warrant.
3
medical
: an abnormal state in which you become unconscious and your body moves in an uncontrolled and violent way
an epileptic seizure [=fit]
The patient has been experiencing seizures. [=convulsions]
Cite this Entry
“Seizure.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/seizure. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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