Definition of "seize" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.

2. (transitive) To take advantage of (an opportunity or circumstance).

3. (transitive) To take possession of (by force, law etc.).

   • to seize smuggled goods
   • to seize a ship after libeling

4. (transitive) To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.

   • a panic seized the crowd
   • a fever seized him

5. (transitive, law) Alternative spelling of seise (“to vest ownership of an estate in land”).

6. (transitive, nautical) To bind, lash or make fast, with several turns of small rope, cord, or small line.

   • to seize two fish-hooks back to back
   • to seize or stop one rope on to another

7. (transitive, obsolete) To fasten, fix.

8. (intransitive) To lay hold in seizure, by hands or claws (+ on or upon).

   • to seize on the neck of a horse

9. (intransitive) To have a seizure.

10. (intransitive) To bind or lock in position immovably; see also seize up.

    • Rust caused the engine to seize, never to run again.

11. (UK, intransitive) To submit for consideration to a deliberative body.

12. (law) (with of) To cause (an action or matter) to be or remain before (a certain judge or court).

    • This Court will remain seized of this matter.

13. (ambitransitive, cooking) Of chocolate: to change suddenly from a fluid to an undesirably hard and gritty texture.