seizing

American  

[see-zing] / ˈsi zɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that seizes.

2. Nautical. a means of binding or fastening together two objects, as two ropes, or parts of the same rope, by a number of longitudinal and transverse turns of marline, wire, or other small stuff.

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seizing British  

/ ˈsiːzɪŋ /

noun

1. nautical a binding used for holding together two ropes, two spars, etc, esp by lashing with a separate rope

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Etymology

Origin of seizing

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; seize + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Instead of laying off people in more incremental—and less disruptive—waves, employers are seizing on the potential financial upsides of severing swaths of their workforces at once.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Other federal agents arrived in armored vehicles, quickly seizing control of the block.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Her energy was contagious, seizing entire parties across the venue.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

U.S. special operations forces have devised plans for seizing the nuclear weapons, facilities, and materials of many hostile or turbulent countries.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Yossarian shouted at him emphatically, seizing him by the shirt front.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Related Words

• abduction
• apprehension
• arrest
• confiscation
• imprisonment
• occupation
• seizure
• taking