seize

Everyday

1. To take hold of something suddenly and firmly; to grab: He seized the rope. tree →
2. To take control of a place by force: The army seized the town. tree →
3. (of police, officials) To take something away by law: Police seized the stolen goods. tree →
4. To take a chance quickly: Seize the day! tree →
5. «Seize up» means to become stuck and stop working, like an engine or stiff muscles. tree →

In the lessons

In stories heroes seize swords, villains seize castles, and children seize chances. In news and safety, police seize illegal items. In science or daily life, an engine seizes up without oil. Formal and strong; everyday words are «grab» and «take». Phrases: «seize the opportunity», «seize the day», «seize power», «seize up», «seized with fear».

Examples

• She seized the ball and ran. tree →
• The rebels seized the castle. tree →
• Police seized 200 fake watches. tree →
• Seize the chance to learn something new! tree →
• My legs seized up after the long race. tree →
• The car engine seized because it had no oil. tree →
• He was seized with fear in the dark. tree →
• The Barmecide seized him by the hand. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: s-E-I-z-e breaks the rule «i before e except after c». Regular verb: seized. Noun: seizure (also a medical fit). Homophone: «seas», «sees».

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah's commentators use "seize" for grasping hidden truth. The Zohar is said to hold truth while Sefer Yetzirah gives the means to grasp it. In the primary lessons: In stories heroes seize swords, villains seize castles, and children seize chances. In news and safety, police seize illegal items. In science or daily life, an engine seizes up without oil. Formal and strong; everyday words are «grab» and «take». Phrases: «seize the opportunity», «seize the day», «seize power», «seize up», «seized with fear».

Examples

• To seize, to take hold of. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• The Zohar represents absolute truth, and the Sepher Jezirah provides the means by which we may seize, appropriate and make use of it." (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• How is Sheshach taken! and the praise of the whole earth seized! (Prophets JER.51.41, JPS 1917) tree →
• The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling hath seized the ungodly: 'Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? (Prophets ISA.33.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the fords are seized, and the castles they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted. (Prophets JER.51.32, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling trap: s-E-I-z-e breaks the rule «i before e except after c». Regular verb: seized. Noun: seizure (also a medical fit). Homophone: «seas», «sees».