Definitions for seize

Definitions for (verb) seize

Main entry: grab, seize

Definition: capture the attention or imagination of

Usage: This story will grab you; The movie seized my imagination


Main entry: seize, get hold of, clutch

Definition: affect

Usage: Fear seized the prisoners; The patient was seized with unbearable pains; He was seized with a dreadful disease


Main entry: prehend, seize, clutch

Definition: take hold of; grab

Usage: The sales clerk 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


Main entry: seize

Definition: take or capture by force

Usage: The terrorists seized the politicians; The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages


Main entry: seize

Definition: hook by a pull on the line

Usage: strike a fish


Main entry: capture, seize, conquer, appropriate

Definition: take possession of by force, as after an invasion

Usage: the invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants; The army seized the town; The militia captured the castle


Main entry: seize, sequester, attach, impound, confiscate

Definition: take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority

Usage: The FBI seized the drugs; The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment; The police confiscated the stolen artwork


Main entry: take over, seize, usurp, assume, arrogate

Definition: seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession

Usage: He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town; he usurped my rights; She seized control of the throne after her husband died


Visual thesaurus for seize