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English verb: seize

1. seize (contact) take hold of; grab


SamplesThe sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter.
She clutched her purse.
The mother seized her child by the arm.
Birds of prey often seize small mammals.


Synonymsclutch, prehend


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)get hold of, take


Narrower (hyponym)apprehend, arrest, capture, catch, catch, clasp, claw, clench, clinch, collar, collar, cop, get, grab, grab, grapple, grip, grip, nab, nab, nail, pick up, rack, snap, snatch, snatch up, take hold of

2. seize (contact) take or capture by force


SamplesThe terrorists seized the politicians.
The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)get hold of, take


Narrower (hyponym)abduct, commandeer, highjack, hijack, kidnap, nobble, pirate, raven, snatch, wrest

3. seize (possession) take possession of by force, as after an invasion


SamplesThe invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants.
The army seized the town.
The militia captured the castle.


Synonymsappropriate, capture, conquer


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s something from somebody


Broader (hypernym)arrogate, assume, seize, take over, usurp


Narrower (hyponym)carry

4. seize (possession) take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority


SamplesThe FBI seized the drugs.
The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment.
The police confiscated the stolen artwork.


Synonymsattach, confiscate, impound, sequester


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)take


Narrower (hyponym)condemn, distrain, garnish, garnishee


Verb groupsequester

5. seize (possession) seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession


SamplesHe assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town.
He usurped my rights.
She seized control of the throne after her husband died.


Synonymsarrogate, assume, take over, usurp


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)take


Narrower (hyponym)annex, appropriate, capture, conquer, hijack, preoccupy, raid, seize

6. seize (contact) hook by a pull on the line


SamplesStrike a fish.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)hook

7. seize (cognition) affect


SamplesFear seized the prisoners.
The patient was seized with unbearable pains.
He was seized with a dreadful disease.


Synonymsclutch, get hold of


Pattern of useSomething ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)overcome, overpower, overtake, overwhelm, sweep over, whelm

8. seize (cognition) capture the attention or imagination of


SamplesThis story will grab you.
The movie seized my imagination.


Synonymsgrab


Pattern of useSomething ----s somebody.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)fascinate, intrigue









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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