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verb

seize

Seize (verb) means to deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.

verb
1
To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.
2
To take advantage of (an opportunity or circumstance).
3
To take possession of (by force, law etc.).
4
To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.
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Etymology

Earlier seise, from Middle English seisen, sesen, saisen, from Old French seisir (“to take possession of; invest (person, court)”), from Early Medieval Latin sacīre (“to lay claim to, appropriate”) (8th century) in the phrase ad propriam sacire, from Old Low Frankish *sakjan (“to sue, bring legal action”), from Proto-Germanic *sakjaną, *sakōną (compare Old English sacian (“to strive, brawl”)), from Proto-Germanic *sakaną (compare Old Saxon sakan (“to accuse”), Old High German sahhan (“to bicker, quarrel, rebuke”), Old English sacan (“to quarrel, claim by law, accuse”). Cognate to sake and Latin sāgiō (“to perceive acutely”).

Rhymes for seize

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of seize?

"seize" (verb) means to deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.

What are the different meanings of seize?

"seize" has 3 main meanings: 1. To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture; 2. To take advantage of (an opportunity or circumstance); 3. To take possession of (by force, law etc.).

Definitions from wiktionary, CC BY-SA · etymology from Wiktionary