transitive verb seized, seizing seiz′·ing

1. 1. Historical to put in legal possession of a feudal holding
   2. to put in legal possession of a particular thing; assign ownership to: in the passive voice seized of the lands
2. 1. to take forcible legal possession of; confiscate to seize contraband
   2. to capture and put into custody; arrest; apprehend to seize a criminal suspect
3. to take forcibly and quickly; grab to seize power
4. to take hold of suddenly or forcibly, with or as with the hand; clutch
5. 1. to suddenly penetrate, illumine, or fill the mind of an idea seized him
   2. to grasp with the mind, esp. in a sudden or intuitive way seized their intent
6. to take quick advantage of (an opportunity, etc.)
7. to attack or afflict suddenly or severely seized with a fit of sneezing
8. Naut. to fasten together (ropes, etc.), as by lashings; bind; lash

Etymology: ME saisen < OFr saisir < ML sacire, prob. < Frank *sakjan, to lay claim to one's rights < IE base *sāg- > sake

intransitive verb