seize

v.

1. To grasp

   take, take hold of, lay hold of, lay hands on, catch up, catch hold of, hang on, hang onto, catch, grip, clinch, clench, clasp, embrace, compass, grab, clutch, grapple, snag, pluck, appropriate, snatch, swoop up, enfold, enclose, pinch, squeeze, make fast, hold fast, possess oneself of, envelope.

   Antonyms leave*, pass by*, let alone.

2. To take by force

   capture, rape, occupy, win, take, take captive, pounce, conquer, take by storm, take by assault, subdue, overwhelm, overrun, overpower, ambush, snatch, incorporate, exact, extend protection to, retake, carry off, apprehend, arrogate, arrest, secure, commandeer, force, gain, take, recapture, appropriate, take possession of, confiscate, take over, pounce on, usurp, overcome, impound, intercept, steal, purloin, expropriate, abduct, seize upon, snap up, nab, trap, throttle, lay hold of, lift, snap up, hook, collar, fasten upon, wrench, claw, snare, bag, catch up, jerk, freeze onto, batten on, wring, cull, get one's clutches on*, get one's fingers on*, get one's hands on, hijack, skyjack*, carjack*, kidnap*, rustle*, stick up*, hold up*, swipe*, clap hands on, scramble for, help oneself to*, jump a claim. *

3. To comprehend

   perceive, see, know; see understand 1.

to seize is to get hold of or get control of suddenly and forcibly he seized the gun from the robber; to seize power; take is the general word meaning to get hold of by or as by the hands to take a book, the opportunity, etc.; grasp implies holding firmly to grasp a rope, an idea, etc.; clutch implies a tight or convulsive grasping of that which one is eager to take or keep hold of she clutched his hand in terror; grab implies a roughness or unscrupulousness in seizing the child grabbed all the candy; to grab credit; snatch stresses an abrupt quickness and, sometimes, a surreptitiousness in seizing she snatched the letter from my hand; to snatch a purse