verb B1 Intermediate Common

seize

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Seize (verb) means to grab hold of something on purpose, often quickly or firmly. Example: “She had to seize the railing to stop herself from falling.”

verb

To grab hold of something on purpose, often quickly or firmly.

"She had to seize the railing to stop herself from falling."

"The goalkeeper dived to seize the ball before anyone else could reach it."

"He reached out and seized my hand as we crossed the road."

To make the most of a chance when it comes along.

"If you want that job, you must seize the opportunity now."

"They seized the chance to travel while the children were still small."

"Smart shoppers seize a bargain whenever one appears."

To take control of something, using force or the law.

"The authorities can seize goods that were brought into the country illegally."

"The court ordered the bank to seize the property after years of unpaid debt."

"Officials seized the shipment at the port for further inspection."

To hit someone suddenly and strongly, as an illness or feeling might.

"A sudden panic seized her as the lights went out."

"Fear seized the crowd when the alarm began to sound."

"He was seized by a violent cough halfway through the speech."

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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She had to _____ the railing to stop herself from falling.

Etymology

Earlier spelt seise, this word came from Middle English seisen, sesen or saisen, from Old French seisir (“to take possession of; invest (person, court)”), from Early Medieval Latin sacīre (“to lay claim to, appropriate”) (8th century), used in the phrase ad propriam sacire, from Old Low Frankish *sakjan (“to sue, bring legal action”), from Proto-Germanic *sakjaną or *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 with sake and Latin sāgiō (“to perceive acutely”).

Synonyms

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appropriate clutch prehend conquer confiscate assume sequester arrogate attach impound capture grab

Antonyms

loose drop unhand forego abdicate bestow liberate abandon

Related words

take save allow drop protect proper appropriate maintain

Rhymes for seize

size maize prize Belize utilize capsize realize baptize idolize optimize monetize colonize

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of seize?

"seize" (verb) means to grab hold of something on purpose, often quickly or firmly.

What is another word for seize?

Other words for "seize" include appropriate, clutch, prehend, conquer, confiscate, assume.

What is the opposite of seize?

Opposites of "seize" include loose, drop, unhand, forego, abdicate, bestow.

What are the different meanings of seize?

"seize" has 3 main meanings: 1. To grab hold of something on purpose, often quickly or firmly; 2. To make the most of a chance when it comes along; 3. To take control of something, using force or the law.

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