seize

verb

/siːz/

Definition

1. Definition

2. Practise

B2 [T] to take something quickly and keep or hold it: I seized his arm and made him turn to look at me. He seized the chance/opportunity of a free flight with both hands (= with eagerness or enthusiasm).Having in your handsCapturing or taking possession of thingsGetting, receiving and accepting C2 [T] to take using sudden force: The rebels have seized ten soldiers to use as hostages. Political instability helped the army to seize power. Troops yesterday seized control of the broadcasting station.Attacking and invading › [T] If the police or other officials seize something, they take possession of it with legal authority: Customs officers at Heathrow have seized 60 kilos of heroin.Taking things away from someone or somewhereRemoving and getting rid of things › [usually passive] If a strong emotion or pain seizes you, you feel it suddenly: I was suddenly seized by/with a feeling of great insecurity and loneliness.Knowledge and awareness

(Definition of seize verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)