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to seize
01
to suddenly and forcibly take hold of something
Transitive: to seize sth
Example
To protect the child, the parent had to seize their arm and pull them away from danger.
The eagle swooped down to seize a fish from the water with its talons.
The goalkeeper managed to seize the ball just before the opponent could score.
02
to take something forcefully, typically through authority or power
Transitive: to seize a property or resources
Example
The government seized the land from indigenous communities to make way for a new highway project.
The rebels seized control of the city 's main square, barricading the streets and declaring their independence.
The military forces seized the enemy 's ammunition depot, crippling their ability to launch further attacks.
03
to confiscate or take possession of items under legal authority
Transitive: to seize possessions or assets
Example
The bank seized the assets of the bankrupt company to recover outstanding debts owed to its creditors.
Following a court order, the tax authorities seized the businessman 's assets to cover his outstanding tax liabilities.
The authorities seized the illegal wildlife products being smuggled across the border, aiming to curb the illicit trade.
04
to capture one's interest or attention in a compelling or captivating manner
Transitive: to seize interest or attention
Example
The breathtaking view from the mountaintop seized our attention.
The haunting melody of the song seized the audience 's emotions.
The opening lines of the novel seized my imagination, drawing me into the story from the very first page.
05
(of an emotion or sensation) to impact someone intensely
Transitive: to seize sb
Example
A sense of foreboding seized him as dark clouds gathered on the horizon.
A sudden sense of excitement seized him as he realized he had won the competition.
Anger seized him when he discovered that his work had been plagiarized by a colleague.
06
to secure two or more ropes or lines by using a smaller line to tie them together
Transitive: to seize two ropes or lines
Ditransitive: to seize a rope to another rope or a support
Example
As the ship faced rough seas, the crew quickly seized the lines to prevent any unnecessary slack.
The sailor used a thin twine to seize the loose ends of the ropes.
The shipwright carefully seized the shrouds to the masthead, reinforcing the standing rigging.
Example
To protect the child, the parent had to seize their arm and pull them away from danger.
The eagle swooped down to seize a fish from the water with its talons.
The goalkeeper managed to seize the ball just before the opponent could score.
In a panic, she reached out to seize her falling phone before it hit the ground.
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