seizing Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun small stuff that is used for lashing two or more ropes together
   
2. noun the act of gripping something firmly with the hands (or the tentacles)
   grasping; prehension; taking hold.
   
3. verb take hold of; grab
   clutch; prehend; seize.
   
   • 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
4. verb take or capture by force
   seize.
   
   • The terrorists seized the politicians
   • The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages
5. verb take possession of by force, as after an invasion
   capture; appropriate; conquer; seize.
   
   • the invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants
   • The army seized the town
   • The militia captured the castle
6. verb take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority
   attach; sequester; seize; confiscate; impound.
   
   • The FBI seized the drugs
   • The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment
   • The police confiscated the stolen artwork
7. verb seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
   assume; arrogate; take over; usurp; seize.
   
   • 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
8. verb hook by a pull on the line
   seize.
   
   • strike a fish
9. verb affect
   clutch; get hold of; seize.
   
   • Fear seized the prisoners
   • The patient was seized with unbearable pains
   • He was seized with a dreadful disease
10. verb capture the attention or imagination of
    grab; seize.
    
    • This story will grab you
    • The movie seized my imagination

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