seize

Verb

seize (third-person singular simple present seizes, present participle seizing, simple past and past participle seized)

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

   Synonyms:

   clasp, grasp, grip, beclasp, begrasp, begrip, belock, clench, clinch, cling

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

   Synonyms:

   jump on

3. (transitive) To take possession of (by force, law etc.).
   • to seize smuggled goods
   • to seize a ship after libeling

   Synonyms:

   attach, arrogate, commandeer, confiscate, impress

4. (transitive) To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.
   • a panic seized the crowd
   • a fever seized him
5. (transitive) 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
6. (obsolete, transitive) To fasten, fix.
7. (intransitive) To lay hold in seizure, by hands or claws (+ on or upon).
   • to seize on the neck of a horse
   • The text which had seized upon his heart with such comfort and strength abode upon him for more than a year.1830, Robert Southey, Bunyan, page 21
8. (intransitive) To have a seizure.
   • Nearing what she thought was a climax, he started seizing and fell off her. Later, realizing he was dead, she became alarmed and dragged the body to his vehicle to make it look like he had died in his truck.2012, Daniel M. Avery, Tales of a Country Obstetrician
9. (intransitive) To bind or lock in position immovably; see also seize up.
   • Rust caused the engine to seize, never to run again.
10. (UK, intransitive) To submit for consideration to a deliberative body.
11. [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.
12. (ambitransitive) Of chocolate: to change suddenly from a fluid to an undesirably hard and gritty texture.
    • Chocolate seizes if a small amount of water (or watery liquid such as brandy) finds its way into the chocolate while it is melting. […] If chocolate seizes, it will look grainy and matte rather than glossy and smooth.2012, Martha Holmberg, Modern Sauces: More Than 150 Recipes for Every Cook, Every Day, page 235