seizure

American  

[see-zher] / ˈsi ʒər /

noun

1. the act or an instance of seizing. seizing.

2. the state of being seized.

3. a taking possession of an item, property, or person legally or by force.

4. a sudden attack, as of epilepsy or some other disease.

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seizure British  

/ ˈsiːʒə /

noun

1. the act or an instance of seizing or the state of being seized

2. pathol a sudden manifestation or recurrence of a disease, such as an epileptic convulsion

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seizure Scientific  

/ sē′zhər /

1. A sudden episode of transient neurologic symptoms such as involuntary muscle movements, sensory disturbances and altered consciousness. A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which is often diagnosed on an electroencephalogram.

2. See also epilepsy

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Other Word Forms

• nonseizure noun
• reseizure noun

Etymology

Origin of seizure

First recorded in 1475–85; seize + -ure

Example Sentences

Symptoms often include seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis, and delayed development.

From Science Daily

Alicia can have thousands of seizures every day and the condition means she needs constant supervision.

From BBC

For months, he had trouble sleeping due to what turned out to be partial seizures.

From The Wall Street Journal

Children with the condition suffer severe epilepsy, including seizures which can cause them to lose consciousness.

From BBC

The group responded to the government’s seizure of its domains, writing “We decided to respond to this ridiculous show in a way that will be remembered forever.”

From Salon

Related Words

• breakdown
• convulsion
• illness
• stroke