Word
seizing
Phoneticsseiz·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsizɪŋ/
UK/sˈiːzɪŋ/
Definitions
01taking by force
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. taking hold of something suddenly or taking control of a place by force.
v. the act of taking possession of something suddenly, forcibly, or by legal authority.
“The soldiers were seizing the radio station to control the news.”
“By seizing the strategic mountain pass, the battalion effectively cut off the enemy's primary supply route for the remainder of the winter.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02stopping or jamming
C1 · Advanced Technology Technical
v. when a machine or part of your body stops moving because of heat or pain.
v. the process of becoming stuck or jammed, often due to friction, lack of lubrication, or physiological distress.
“The engine started seizing because there was no oil left in it.”
“The mechanic warned that the pistons were seizing due to extreme thermal expansion, which would eventually lead to total engine failure.”
03the act of taking
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Law Formal
n. the act of taking something away, often by the police or government.
n. the legal or forceful act of taking possession of property or individuals.
“The seizing of illegal goods at the border has increased this year.”
“The unlawful seizing of private assets by the state led to a prolonged legal battle in the international courts.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04binding with rope
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a way of tying two ropes together using a smaller cord.
n. a method of fastening two ropes or two parts of the same rope together by lashing them with smaller cordage.
“The sailor checked the seizing on the mast to ensure it was tight.”
“A proper seizing requires the small stuff to be wound tightly around both ropes to prevent any slippage under heavy tension.”
05impressive
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. something that is so impressive or strong that it grabs your attention.
adj. having a striking or impressive quality that commands immediate attention.
“The mountain had a seizing beauty that made us stop and look.”
“The orator spoke with a seizing intensity that left the audience in absolute silence for several minutes after he finished.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. When used in a legal context, it often takes the preposition 'by' to indicate the authority used.
Pitfall
The police is seizing the car.
The police are seizing the car.
In British English and many international contexts, 'police' is a collective noun that takes a plural verb.
Real-World Examples
“Two thieves broke into the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer early on Tuesday, seizing four paintings but dropping two of the works in the museum gardens as they escaped, local Mayor Bryan Masson said.” “Goïta had promised elections within two years of seizing power, but these have never been held.” Etymology
From seize + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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