Antonyms for seize


Grammar : Verb
Spell : seez
Phonetic Transcription : siz


Definition of seize

Origin :
  • mid-13c., from Old French seisir "to take possession of, take by force; put in possession of, bestow upon" (Modern French saisir), from Late Latin sacire, which is generally held to be from a Germanic source, but the exact origin is uncertain. Perhaps from Frankish *sakjan "lay claim to" (cf. Gothic sokjan, Old English secan "to seek;" see seek). Or perhaps from Proto-Germanic *satjan "to place" (see set (v.)).
  • Originally a legal term in reference to feudal property holdings or offices. Meaning "to grip with the hands or teeth" is from c.1300; that of "to take possession by force or capture" (of a city, etc.) is from mid-14c. Figurative use, with reference to death, disease, fear, etc. is from late 14c. Meaning "to grasp with the mind" is attested from 1855. Of engines or other mechanisms, attested from 1878. Related: Seized; seizing.
  • verb grab, take
  • verb abduct; take by force
Example sentences :
  • Russia sought to extend her conquests south and to seize upon Turkey.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • If I succeed in this I shall doubtless be able to seize more of His bounty.
  • Extract from : « The Conquest of Fear » by Basil King
  • For his love's sake, he must seize on this opportunity given of fate to him for mastery.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • But as she crossed as if to seize the boy, Napoleon sprang toward his uncle for refuge.
  • Extract from : « The Boy Life of Napoleon » by Eugenie Foa
  • But he would dash out after her, seize her round the body, drag her back into the shop.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • The opportunity tempted some of our men to plan a rising, with a view to seize the ship.
  • Extract from : « Ned Myers » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • Our intention, it must be confessed, however, was to seize the Regulus in the confusion.
  • Extract from : « Ned Myers » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • Had we got out, the plan was to seize the heights of the island, and get possession of the guns.
  • Extract from : « Ned Myers » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • Our plan was to seize a boat, as we passed down channel, and get ashore in England.
  • Extract from : « Ned Myers » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • She had an eye to discern, and a courage to seize, an important crisis.
  • Extract from : « Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. I » by Francis Augustus Cox

Synonyms for seize

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019