seize - Definition & Meaning | VisualLang Dictionary

seize

Third Person

seizes

Present Participle

seizing

Past Tense

seized

Past Participle

seized

to suddenly and forcibly take hold of something

transitive

In a panic, she reached out to seize her falling phone before it hit the ground.
The eagle swooped down to seize a fish from the water with its talons.
The goalkeeper managed to seize the ball just before the opponent could score.
To protect the child, the parent had to seize their arm and pull them away from danger.

Synonyms:

to take something forcefully, typically through authority or power

transitive

The rebels seized control of the city's main square, barricading the streets and declaring their independence.
The military forces seized the enemy's ammunition depot, crippling their ability to launch further attacks.
The government seized the land from indigenous communities to make way for a new highway project.
The conquerors seized the enemy's fortress after a long and arduous siege, claiming victory in the battle.

to confiscate or take possession of items under legal authority

transitive

Following a court order, the tax authorities seized the businessman's assets to cover his outstanding tax liabilities.
The customs officials seized the counterfeit goods being smuggled into the country through the port.
The bank seized the assets of the bankrupt company to recover outstanding debts owed to its creditors.
The court order allowed the police to seize the suspect's computer and electronic devices for forensic analysis.
The authorities seized the illegal wildlife products being smuggled across the border, aiming to curb the illicit trade.

Synonyms:

to capture one's interest or attention in a compelling or captivating manner

transitive

The breathtaking view from the mountaintop seized our attention.
The opening lines of the novel seized my imagination, drawing me into the story from the very first page.
The gripping plot of the thriller novel seized her imagination.
The haunting melody of the song seized the audience's emotions.
The headline-grabbing news story seized the nation's attention, dominating discussions and headlines for weeks.

Synonyms:

(of an emotion or sensation) to impact someone intensely

transitive

A sudden sense of excitement seized him as he realized he had won the competition.
A sense of foreboding seized him as dark clouds gathered on the horizon.
A wave of joy seized her as she held her newborn baby for the first time.
Anger seized him when he discovered that his work had been plagiarized by a colleague.
A feeling of nostalgia seized her as she walked through the streets of her childhood neighborhood.

Synonyms:

to secure two or more ropes or lines by using a smaller line to tie them together

transitive

The sailor used a thin twine to seize the loose ends of the ropes.
During the maintenance of the ship's rigging, the crew had to seize several frayed lines to prevent any potential accidents.
As the ship faced rough seas, the crew quickly seized the lines to prevent any unnecessary slack.
The shipwright carefully seized the shrouds to the masthead, reinforcing the standing rigging.
After replacing a worn-out line, the sailor took the time to properly seize the new rope to the existing rigging.

to take an opportunity or chance quickly and with determination.