seizing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (legal/medical/martime); can be informal when describing a sudden physical action.
Quick answer
What does “seizing” mean?
taking hold of something suddenly, forcibly, or legally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
taking hold of something suddenly, forcibly, or legally; the act of grasping or apprehending.
In law, the taking possession of property by legal authority (e.g., seizure by the state). In nautical terms, a method of binding ropes together. In medicine, the onset of a convulsion or seizure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slight preference for 'seizing' over 'seizure' in some UK legal contexts when describing the act itself. Nautical term 'seizing' (binding ropes) is universally used in maritime English.
Connotations
In both dialects, carries connotations of force, urgency, or legal compulsion.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. The noun 'seizure' is more common in medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “seizing” in a Sentence
[Subject] seizes [Object] (e.g., The army seized the city.)[Subject] seizes [Object] from [Source] (e.g., Police seized the drugs from the car.)[Subject] seizes [Adverbial] (e.g., Fear seized him suddenly.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seizing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The customs officers are seizing the counterfeit goods.
- He kept seizing on minor points in the argument.
American English
- The sheriff seized the property for back taxes.
- She seized the chance to invest early.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'seizingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'seizingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.)
adjective
British English
- The seizing order was granted by the magistrate.
- He felt a seizing pain in his chest.
American English
- The seizing mechanism on the machine locked.
- Authorities executed the seizing warrant at dawn.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to the takeover of assets or companies. (e.g., 'The court ordered the seizing of the company's bank accounts.')
Academic
Used in historical/political texts about coups, revolutions, or legal theory. (e.g., 'The seizing of power by the junta was swift.')
Everyday
Describing a sudden physical action or metaphorical capture. (e.g., 'He's great at seizing opportunities.' or 'A cough seized her.')
Technical
Legal: the act of taking property by warrant. Medical: the onset of a seizure. Nautical: lashing ropes together.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seizing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seizing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seizing”
- Confusing 'seizing' (verb form/gerund) with 'seizure' (noun). Misspelling as 'siezing'. Incorrectly using 'seizing' for a gentle or slow action.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Seizing' is typically the present participle or gerund form of the verb 'to seize' (the act of taking). 'Seizure' is a noun meaning an instance of being seized, often used in medical (an epileptic seizure) or legal (asset seizure) contexts.
Yes, absolutely. Metaphorical use with 'opportunity', 'chance', 'moment', or 'initiative' is very common and positive (e.g., 'seizing the day').
'Seize' often implies more determination, force, formality, or legal authority. 'Grab' is more informal and physical. You 'grab' a sandwich, but authorities 'seize' contraband.
Use it to describe the action taken by an authority. E.g., 'The court approved seizing the defendant's passport to ensure he did not flee the country.'
taking hold of something suddenly, forcibly, or legally.
Seizing is usually formal (legal/medical/martime); can be informal when describing a sudden physical action. in register.
Seizing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiːzɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsizɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Seize the day (Carpe Diem)”
- “Seize the initiative”
- “Seize by the throat”
- “Seize up (of machinery or muscles – to stop working/jam)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SEI-ZING' – 'SEE' it and 'SING' it out loud as you TAKE it quickly. The 'Z' sound suggests speed and force.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS HOLDING/GRASPING (seizing power), OPPORTUNITIES ARE OBJECTS TO BE GRABBED (seize a chance), IDEAS ARE FORCES THAT CAPTURE US (an idea seized her imagination).
Practice
Quiz
In a nautical context, what does 'seizing' refer to?