seize

B2 · Upper Intermediate Law

v. to take over a place or take away property using force or legal authority.

v. to take possession of something by legal process or by force.

“Customs officers may seize any illegal goods found in your luggage.”

“The rebel forces moved quickly to seize the radio station, effectively cutting off the government's primary means of communication with the public.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to quickly take advantage of a chance or an idea.

v. to take advantage of an opportunity or circumstance eagerly and decisively.

“You should seize the opportunity to study abroad while you are still young.”

“The company was able to seize a significant share of the market by launching their product months before their competitors.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. when a strong feeling or illness suddenly affects you.

v. to affect a person suddenly and powerfully, often used in the passive voice.

“A sudden panic seized her when she realised she had lost her passport.”

“A terrible fear seized the villagers as the sky turned an unnatural shade of green before the storm.”

C1 · Advanced Technical

v. when a machine or a part of your body stops moving or working correctly.

v. to become stuck or jammed, typically due to friction, heat, or lack of lubrication.

“The car engine will seize if you try to drive it without any oil.”

“The old gears had begun to seize due to decades of rust, making it impossible to turn the heavy iron crank.”

C2 · Proficiency Cooking Technical

v. when melted chocolate suddenly turns into a hard, lumpy mess.

v. to change suddenly from a fluid state to a stiff, grainy mass, usually caused by a small amount of moisture entering melted chocolate.

“Be careful not to get any water in the bowl, or the chocolate will seize.”

“The pastry chef explained that even a single drop of water can cause a batch of tempered chocolate to seize instantly.”