Seize
/siːz/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo take possession of something by force or without legal authority; to grasp eagerly or quickly.
/siːz/
To take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
The soldiers seized control of the town.
💡 Simply: Think of it like when you see a delicious slice of pizza and quickly grab it before anyone else does! Seizing is taking something really fast, often because you want it.
👶 For kids: To grab something quickly!
More Examples
She seized the opportunity to travel.
The government seized the company's assets after the scandal.
How It's Used
"The police seized the suspect's car as evidence."
"He seized the opportunity to speak."
To understand or grasp something suddenly.
/siːz/
To understand suddenly or grasp.
He finally seized the solution to the problem.
💡 Simply: When you 'seize' an idea, it means you finally get it! Like when a puzzle suddenly clicks and you understand the whole picture.
👶 For kids: To understand something suddenly.
More Examples
She seized the significance of the evidence.
I seized the importance of learning a new language.
How It's Used
"He suddenly seized the meaning of the poem."
"She seized upon the chance to escape."
To capture or take someone as a prisoner.
/siːz/
To take someone prisoner.
The rebels seized the hostages.
💡 Simply: To grab someone and not let them go, like police grabbing a criminal!
👶 For kids: To capture someone and take them.
More Examples
The police quickly seized the suspect at the crime scene.
The kidnappers seized the child and demanded a ransom.
How It's Used
"The soldiers seized the enemy soldiers."
"The police officer seized the criminal."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
seize the day
To make the most of the present time; to enjoy the present moment without worrying about the future.
"I try to seize the day and not worry about the future."
From Old French saisir, from Vulgar Latin *sacire, from Latin sacere, meaning 'to take possession of'.
Used extensively since the 13th century, originally in legal contexts to denote possession and control. Shakespeare used the word to indicate understanding, as well.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong hand quickly grabbing something.
Word Origin
"to take"