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seize

 
 
pronunciation:
siz
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: seizes, seizing, seized
definition 1: to take hold of forcibly and quickly.
The police officer seized the man's gun.The smuggled birds were found and seized at the airport.
synonyms:
grab
antonyms:
let go, release, relinquish, surrender
similar words:
capture, clasp, clutch, commandeer, confiscate, grasp, grip, snap up, snatch, take, usurp
definition 2: to apprehend mentally.
He seized the concept immediately.
synonyms:
apprehend, catch, comprehend, grasp, understand
similar words:
absorb, embrace, fathom, gather, get, know, master, perceive, read, savvy
definition 3: to quickly take advantage of.
Seize the opportunity while it lasts.
synonyms:
embrace
antonyms:
lose
similar words:
act upon, grasp, snap, take, utilize
definition 4: to capture.
The enemy soldiers seized the fort.The police seized the leader of the gang.
synonyms:
capture, catch
antonyms:
free, liberate
similar words:
abduct, apprehend, arrest, bag, bust, collar, corral, kidnap, nab, pinch
definition 5: to take absolute control over.
She was seized by worry.
synonyms:
possess
similar words:
control, dominate, overpower, overwhelm
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to take something for oneself powerfully and quickly (usu. fol. by "on" or "upon").
She seized on the opportunity to speak her mind.
synonyms:
grasp, snatch
similar words:
grab, pluck
definition 2: of machine parts, to fuse together so as to prevent operation, usu. because of heat (often fol. by "up").
The dishwasher motor seized up.
similar words:
fuse, grab
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