<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object)<ul><li>seized, seizing</li><li>to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp: to seize a weapon.</li><li>Synonyms: grab, clutch</li><li>to grasp mentally; understand clearly and completely: to seize an idea.</li><li>to take possession of by force or at will: to seize enemy ships.</li><li>to take possession or control of as if by suddenly laying hold: Panic seized the crowd.</li><li>to take possession of by legal authority; confiscate: to seize smuggled goods.</li><li>Law: to put (someone) in seizin or legal possession of property (usually used in passive constructions): She was seized of vast estates.</li><li>to capture; take into custody.</li><li>Synonyms: apprehend, arrest</li><li>Antonyms: release</li><li>to take advantage of promptly: to seize an opportunity.</li><li>Nautical: to bind or fasten together with a seizing.</li></ul></li><li>(used without object)<ul><li>seized, seizing</li><li>to grab or take hold suddenly or forcibly (usually followed by on or upon): to seize on a rope.</li><li>to resort to a method, plan, etc., in desperation (usually followed by on or upon): He must seize on a solution, however risky.</li><li>to have moving parts bind and stop moving as a result of excessive pressure, temperature, or friction (usually followed by up): The engine seized up from cold.</li><li>to have a seizure, as of epilepsy: He seized for about five minutes and then lost consciousness.</li><li>(of melted chocolate) to become grainy and clumpy from overheating or from contact with a small amount of moisture (often followed by up): If the butter is too cold, the frosting will seize.</li></ul></li></ul>