seize (s z)v. seized, seiz·ing, seiz·es v.tr. 1. To grasp suddenly and forcibly; take or grab: seize a sword. 2. a. To grasp with the mind; apprehend: seize an idea and develop it to the fullest extent. b. To possess oneself of (something): seize an opportunity. 3. a. To have a sudden overwhelming effect on: a heinous crime that seized the minds and emotions of the populace. b. To overwhelm physically: a person who was seized with a terminal disease. 4. To take into custody; capture. 5. To take quick and forcible possession of; confiscate: seize a cache of illegal drugs. 6. also seise (s z)a. To put (one) into possession of something. b. To vest ownership of a feudal property in. 7. Nautical To bind (a rope) to another, or to a spar, with turns of small line. v.intr. 1. To lay sudden or forcible hold of. 2. a. To cohere or fuse with another part as a result of high pressure or temperature and restrict or prevent further motion or flow. b. To come to a halt: The talks seized up and were rescheduled. 3. To exhibit symptoms of seizure activity, usually with convulsions. [Middle English seisen, from Old French seisir, to take possession, of Germanic origin.] seiz  a·ble adj.seiz er n. |
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