C1verb 1K

Seize

🇬🇧 UK /["/siːz/","/ˈsiːzɪz/","/siːzd/","/ˈsiːzɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/siːz/","/ˈsiːzɪz/","/siːzd/","/ˈsiːzɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Seize

to take somebody/something in your hand suddenly and using force

In simple words: To take something quickly or suddenly.

Seize in a sentence

• The police decided to seize the stolen goods as evidence in the case.
• The army planned to seize the strategic hill to gain an advantage.
• She tried to seize the opportunity to study abroad when it was offered.
• He managed to seize the moment and give a brilliant speech.
• The sudden attack caused the troops to seize control of the village quickly.
• His hand began to seize up after hours of playing the piano nonstop.
• During the emergency, the machinery started to seize, halting production.

How to use Seize

Use 'seize' when talking about taking control or possession of something. It can be used in legal contexts or to describe capturing opportunities. Avoid in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

seize + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'seas' — imagine grabbing a handful of seashells.

Related words

Collocations with Seize

• immediately
• suddenly
• by
• from
• seize hold of somebody/​something
• immediately
• suddenly
• by
• from
• seize hold of somebody/​something
• immediately
• instantly
• quickly
• be quick to
• be ready to
• be determined to
• on
• upon
• an attempt to seize something
• the power to seize something
• the right to seize something
• immediately
• instantly
• quickly
• be quick to
• be ready to
• be determined to
• on
• upon
• an attempt to seize something
• the power to seize something
• the right to seize something

Synonyms for Seize

• capture
• grab
• take
• apprehend
• snatch

Opposites of Seize

• release
• let go

Common mistakes with Seize

• Confused with 'cease' which means to stop.
• Using 'seize' with wrong tenses, e.g. saying 'seized' when meaning present tense.
• Mistakenly using it without an object, e.g. saying 'I seize' instead of 'I seize the opportunity'.

Frequently asked questions about Seize

What does Seize mean?

To take something quickly or suddenly.

What is the definition of Seize?

to take somebody/something in your hand suddenly and using force

How do you use Seize in a sentence?

The police decided to seize the stolen goods as evidence in the case.

Can you give another example of Seize?

The army planned to seize the strategic hill to gain an advantage.

What are synonyms for Seize?

Common alternatives include capture, grab, take, apprehend, snatch.

What is the opposite of Seize?

Opposite meanings include release, let go.

What words go with Seize?

It commonly pairs with immediately, suddenly, by, from, seize hold of somebody/​something, immediately, suddenly, by, from, seize hold of somebody/​something, immediately, instantly, quickly, be quick to, be ready to, be determined to, on, upon, an attempt to seize something, the power to seize something, the right to seize something, immediately, instantly, quickly, be quick to, be ready to, be determined to, on, upon, an attempt to seize something, the power to seize something, the right to seize something.

What are common mistakes when using Seize?

Confused with 'cease' which means to stop. Using 'seize' with wrong tenses, e.g. saying 'seized' when meaning present tense. Mistakenly using it without an object, e.g. saying 'I seize' instead of 'I seize the opportunity'.

How do you pronounce Seize?

US: /["/siːz/","/ˈsiːzɪz/","/siːzd/","/ˈsiːzɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/siːz/","/ˈsiːzɪz/","/siːzd/","/ˈsiːzɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Seize?

Use 'seize' when talking about taking control or possession of something. It can be used in legal contexts or to describe capturing opportunities. Avoid in very casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Seize?

"Seize" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.