Read along with the three podcasts, or open the full dictionary entry for Seize for the definition, Arabic meaning, synonyms and example sentences.
Narrator: Today's word is "Seize" — verb, pronounced /siːz/, with the stress on "seize".
Narrator: To seize is to take hold of something suddenly or by force, or to confiscate it legally.
Narrator: In plain English, you seize an opportunity when you grab it quickly, or police seize stolen goods.
Narrator: It comes from the Old French saisir, meaning to take possession of, from the Medieval Latin sacire.
Narrator: "To seize the opportunity" describes taking advantage of a chance quickly.
Narrator: It differs from grab because seize is more formal and can mean legal confiscation, whereas grab is casual.
Narrator: "To seize up" is a sense meaning a machine stopping suddenly due to friction or jamming.
Narrator: Law, policing, military, business and engineering all rely on the word seize.
Narrator: So remember: to seize is to grab or confiscate, from the Old French for to take possession.
Speaker A: What does seize mean?
Speaker B: To grab or confiscate! SEIZE comes from the Old French saisir, to take possession of, so it means taking hold suddenly, or confiscating legally.
Speaker A: So you seize an opportunity?
Speaker B: Yes — and police seize evidence!
Speaker A: Example sentences?
Speaker B: "Seize the opportunity"; "seize up"; "seize the goods" — advantage, breakdown and confiscation.
Speaker A: Common mistakes?
Speaker B: Don't spell it sieze, because the correct spelling is seize, i before e except after c doesn't apply here.
Speaker A: Close relatives?
Speaker B: 'Grab' the casual cousin, 'snatch' the quick twin, 'confiscate' the legal alternative. The word keeps its forceful charm!
Speaker B: Let's use "seize" in AI prompts — useful for legal apps and business tools.
Speaker A: So a prompt could frame law?
Speaker B: Right. For a legal app, you'd write:
Prompt: Write a short guide to when police can seize property, naming one rule.
Speaker A: How about a business tool?
Speaker B: Ask the model to advise:
Prompt: Draft a guide to seizing business opportunities, naming two tips.
Speaker A: Could it help with an engineering bot?
Speaker B: Yes, you can frame mechanics:
Prompt: Summarise in two sentences why an engine seizes up, naming one cause.
Speaker A: One more?
Speaker B: For a motivation chatbot, try this:
Prompt: Write a short note on seizing the day, naming one action.
Seize — meaning in Arabic & definition More S courses GL Dictionary