seize
1. [ verb ] affect
Synonyms: clutch get_hold_of prehend
Examples:

"Fear seized the prisoners" "The patient was seized with unbearable pains" "He was seized with a dreadful disease"

Related terms: take overwhelm catch collar snatch grip get grapple wrest clench claw clasp rack grab nab collar clutch
2. [ verb ] take hold of; grab
Synonyms: clutch prehend
Examples:

"The salesclerk quickly seized the money on the counter" "She clutched her purse" "The mother seized her child by the arm" "Birds of prey often seize small mammals"

Related terms: take catch collar snatch grip get grapple clench claw clasp grab rack collar nab clasp
3. [ verb ] take or capture by force
Examples:

"The terrorists seized the politicians" "The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages"

Related terms: take kidnap commandeer wrest raven
4. [ verb ] take or capture by force
Examples:

"The terrorists seized the politicians" "The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages"

Related terms: take kidnap commandeer wrest wrest raven capture
5. [ verb ] (military) take possession of without permission or take with force, as after a conquest or invasion
Synonyms: take_over capture conquer appropriate
Examples:

"the invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants" "The army seized the town" "The militia captured the castle"

Related terms: take capture annex carry conquest appropriator
6. [ verb ] take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority
Synonyms: confiscate attach sequester impound
Examples:

"The FBI seized the drugs" "The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment" "The police confiscated the stolen artwork"

Related terms: take garnishee distrain sequester attachment seizure impoundment
7. [ verb ] hook by a pull on the line
Examples:

"strike a fish"

Related terms: hook
8. [ verb ] affect
Synonyms: clutch get_hold_of prehend
Examples:

"Fear seized the prisoners" "The patient was seized with unbearable pains" "He was seized with a dreadful disease"

Related terms: take overwhelm catch collar snatch grip get grapple wrest clench claw clasp rack grab nab collar clutch
9. [ verb ] take after a conquest or invasion; as of land
Synonyms: usurp capture conquer assume arrogate take_over
Related terms: take appropriate preoccupy carry annex raid assumption confiscation usurper usurpation
10. [ verb ] capture the attention or imagination of
Synonyms: grab
Examples:

"This story will grab you" "The movie seized my imagination"

Related terms: intrigue
Similar spelling:   seek
  Segui
  segue
  Seese
  Sease
  seesaw
  size
  sex
  sewage
  seiche
  sec