seizing
seizing — verb
1. to grab something quickly so that it is in your hands or under your control, oft
to grab something quickly so that it is in your hands or under your control, often before someone else can reach it
Rodrigo seized the letter from the table before anyone else could read it.
The goalkeeper seized the ball and held it firmly against his chest.
When a seat became free, Minh seized it before the other passengers noticed.
Asher seized the last ticket just as the counter was about to close.
- release
to let go of something you are holding
文法句型
seize + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense emphasises speed and the fact that the object might otherwise be taken by someone else.
常見錯誤
2. to take control of a place or object by using sudden physical power or military
to take control of a place or object by using sudden physical power or military action
Government forces seized the rebel headquarters after three days of heavy fighting.
military context: seize + territory / building
The pirates seized the merchant ship and locked the crew in the hold.
During the struggle, Saira seized her attacker's weapon and threw it aside.
Rafael's unit was ordered to seize the bridge before dawn.
- surrender
to give up control of a place to an enemy
文法句型
seize + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in military or conflict contexts. The object is typically a place (city, building, ship) or an object that requires force to obtain.
常見錯誤
3. when police, customs officers, or other legal authorities officially take posses
when police, customs officers, or other legal authorities officially take possession of goods, property, or documents because they are illegal or linked to a crime
Customs officials seized the smuggled cigarettes at the border checkpoint.
legal context: officials seize + illegal goods
The court ordered the police to seize all assets obtained through the fraud scheme.
Zola's laptop was seized by the authorities during the investigation.
Eric's collection of rare coins was seized at the airport by customs.
- confiscate
the most direct synonym for legal/official taking
- impound
specifically used for vehicles, documents, or evidence held by authorities
- forfeit
suggests losing something as a penalty for breaking a rule
- return
to give seized property back to its owner
文法句型
seize + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is usually a legal authority (police, customs, court). Frequently used in passive constructions when the focus is on the item taken rather than the authority taking it.
常見錯誤
4. if a powerful feeling or physical sensation suddenly affects you very strongly,
if a powerful feeling or physical sensation suddenly affects you very strongly, often leaving you unable to think clearly or act normally
When the lights went out, Eleni was seized by a sudden wave of panic.
passive: be seized by + emotion
The earthquake shook the building and many residents were seized with terror.
passive: be seized with + emotion
Christopher was seized by a sharp pain in his lower back while lifting the crate.
Amani was seized with regret after sending the angry email to her boss.
文法句型
be seized by + emotion
be seized with + emotion
用法筆記
Almost always in the passive voice: 'be seized by/with [emotion or sensation]'. The emotion is typically negative (fear, panic, despair) or intense (desire, rage). Distinguish from sense 1 (TAKE QUICKLY) — here the subject does not act; the emotion acts upon the person.
常見錯誤
seizing — noun
1. a short piece of rope or cord used on a ship to bind or fasten two ropes tightly
a short piece of rope or cord used on a ship to bind or fasten two ropes tightly together, or the fastening that is made in this way
The sailor checked the seizing that held the anchor line to the buoy.
A loose seizing can cause the ropes to slip apart under heavy load.
nautical domain: seizing = binding cord
Lan learned how to tie a proper seizing during the sailing course.
Zayd inspected the seizing on the mooring rope before setting sail.
用法筆記
This is a specialised nautical term. Do not confuse with the verb 'seizing' (the act of grabbing). The noun is pronounced the same but has a completely unrelated technical meaning.