definition of
seize

[1] #1 seize v. [prehend, clutch] 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". wn

[2] #2 seize v. take or capture by force; "The terrorists seized the politicians"; "The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages". wn

[3] #3 seize v. [appropriate, capture, conquer] 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". wn

[4] #4 seize v. [impound, attach, sequester, confiscate] 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". wn

[5] #5 seize v. [assume, usurp, take over, arrogate] 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". wn