seize

/ˈsēz/

Middle English saisen, from Anglo-French seisir, from Medieval Latin sacire, of Germanic origin; perhaps akin to Old High German sezzen to set

verb

  1. to vest ownership of a freehold estate in

  2. to put in possession of something

  3. to take possession of : confiscate

the biographer will be seized of all pertinent papers

take seize grasp clutch snatch grab mean to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand. take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

idiom

  1. to forcefully take and hold (someone or something) with the hand or arms

She seized hold of my hand.

phrasal verb

  1. to take or use (something, such as a chance or opportunity) in a quick and eager way

His critics have seized on the scandal to call for his resignation.