seize

verb

1. 1

   capture the attention or imagination of

   This story will grab you

   The movie seized my imagination

2. 2

   affect

   Fear seized the prisoners

   The patient was seized with unbearable pains

3. 3

   take hold of; grab

   The sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter

   She clutched her purse

4. 4

   take or capture by force

   The terrorists seized the politicians

   The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages

5. 5

   hook by a pull on the line

   strike a fish

6. 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

7. 7

   take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority

   The FBI seized the drugs

   The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment

8. 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