- to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp: to seize a weapon.
- to grasp mentally; understand clearly and completely: to seize an idea.
- to take possession of by force or at will: to seize enemy ships.
- to take possession or control of as if by suddenly laying hold: Panic seized the crowd.
- to take possession of by legal authority; confiscate: to seize smuggled goods.
- to put (someone) in seizin or legal possession of property (usually used in passive constructions): She was seized of vast estates.
- to capture; take into custody.
- to take advantage of promptly: to seize an opportunity.
- to bind or fasten together with a seizing.
- to grab or take hold suddenly or forcibly (usually followed by on or upon): to seize on a rope.
- to resort to a method, plan, etc., in desperation (usually followed by on or upon): He must seize on a solution, however risky.
- to have moving parts bind and stop moving as a result of excessive pressure, temperature, or friction (usually followed by up): The engine seized up from cold.
- to have a seizure, as of epilepsy: He seized for about five minutes and then lost consciousness.
- (of melted chocolate) to become grainy and clumpy from overheating or from contact with a small amount of moisture (often followed by up): If the butter is too cold, the frosting will seize.
- to take hold of quickly; grab
- to grasp mentally, esp rapidly
- to take mental possession of
- to take possession of rapidly and forcibly
- to take legal possession of; take into custody
- to take by force or capture
- to take immediate advantage of
- to bind (two ropes together or a piece of gear to a rope)
- (of mechanical parts) to become jammed, esp because of excessive heat
- to be apprised of; conversant with
- the usual US spelling of seise
