Seize definition

(1) Capture the attention or imagination of

"This story will grab you"

"The movie seized my imagination"

(2) Affect

"Fear seized the prisoners"

"The patient was seized with unbearable pains"

"He was seized with a dreadful disease"

(3) Take hold of; grab

"The 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"

(4) Take or capture by force

"The terrorists seized the politicians"

"The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages"

(5) Hook by a pull on the line

"Strike a fish"

(6) Take possession of by force, as after an invasion

"The invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants"

"The army seized the town"

"The militia captured the castle"

(7) Take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority

"The FBI seized the drugs"

"The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment"

"The police confiscated the stolen artwork"

(8) Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession

"He 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"