Meaning of seize In English

• 0 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).

  • 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.

  • Customs officers at Heathrow have seized 60 kilos of heroin.

  • I was suddenly seized by/with a feeling of great insecurity and loneliness.

• 1 to take something quickly and hold it:

  • He seized her arm to lead her through the crowd.

  • fig. While she was distracted, I seized the opportunity to take a cookie.

  • Rebel forces seized control of six towns.

  • The goods that were seized had been hidden in a shipment of paint.

• 2 if the police or government seizes property or assets, they take possession of them because they are illegal, or because the owner owes money:

  • Customs agents last year seized $14 million in counterfeit electronics goods at the nation's ports.

  • seize assets/property

• 3 if the government or other official authority seizes a company, they stop it from trading because of illegal activity or debts:

  • The government has threatened to seize any business that does not sell goods at the advertised price.

• 4 to take advantage of something that is available:

  • seize a challenge/opportunity

  • A Malaysian tycoon seized the chance to bid for the company, and won.

  • By having a contract already prepared, you may be able to seize the initiative in negotiations.

• 5 to take control of something, especially when others are trying to stop you:

  • seize control/power Disgruntled shareholders tried to oust the board and seize control of the company.

  • In finance, telecoms, media, and technology, there is thought to be a rare opportunity to seize global market share.