Seized
/siːzd/
verbB2past tense
Definition
Seized is the past tense of "seize," which means to take control or hold of something suddenly and strongly. It can mean grabbing an object, taking control of a place, or capturing an opportunity. Sometimes it suggests using power or force.
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See It in Action
To take hold of something quickly and firmly
- •He seized the rope to stop himself from falling.
- •She seized the opportunity to speak in the meeting.
- •The child seized the toy from his friend.
To take control of something, often by force or official power
- •The army seized the city after a short battle.
- •Customs officers seized the illegal goods at the border.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "seized" like "grabbed" (A1 word), but stronger and faster, often with more power or control
- ✓Picture someone quickly catching a ball before it falls to the ground, holding it tightly and not letting go
- ✓It's the feeling when you quickly take a chance before it disappears, like catching a bus just in time
- ✓Sounds like "sees" + "zed" → imagine someone seeing something and zapping it into their hands immediately
- ✓Think of a police officer who seizes (takes) illegal items during a search—taking control firmly and officially
- ✓NOT like "take" (which can be slow or gentle), "seize" means fast and strong grabbing
- ✓NOT like "grab" (casual), "seize" often involves power or authority
- ✓NOT like "hold" (which means to keep something), "seize" means to take it first, often suddenly or by force
Try Other Words
- •Grabbed: took hold quickly (Use when the action is casual or less forceful)
- •Captured: took control, often by force (Use when talking about taking control of places or people)
- •Taken: general word for having something (Use in neutral or simple contexts)
- •Snatched: took something quickly and suddenly, sometimes without permission (Use when the action is fast and a bit rude)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "seize" (root verb) + "-ed" (past tense suffix)
- •Etymology: From Old French "seisir," from Latin "sacire," meaning to take possession or control
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to mean taking hold or control, often quickly or by force
- •Modern usage: Common in legal, military, and everyday language to describe taking something suddenly or with power
- •Key insight: Always involves quickness and strength, not gentle or slow taking
Reflect & Connect
•I feel confident when I seize an opportunity, but nervous when I seize something by force. Why do you think that is?
•Can you think of a time when seizing something was good, and a time when it was bad?
•How is seizing a chance different from waiting patiently for something?
Fill in the blanks
1.The most important thing I ever seized quickly was _______ because _______.