# seize

/ˈsiz/ (US) · /sˈiːz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seize
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to grab suddenly

verb · CEFR B2

to take hold of something suddenly and with force.

For teachers: to grasp or clutch something suddenly and forcibly.

- The police officer managed to seize the weapon before the suspect could use it.
- He reached out to seize the railing just as the ship lurched violently to the port side, narrowly avoiding a fall.

### 2. to take by force or law

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to use an opportunity

verb · CEFR B2

to quickly take advantage of a chance or an idea.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to affect suddenly

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

when a strong feeling or illness suddenly affects you.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to stop moving

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used with the particle 'up' as 'seize up'.

### 6. cooking chocolate

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He had to seize the rope before the boat drifted away.
- The police had the authority to seize the illegal goods found in the back of the truck.
- The young entrepreneur was quick to seize the opportunity when the market leader failed to adapt to the new digital landscape, effectively capturing a significant share of the audience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.