Seize vs. Sieze — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 14, 2023
The correct spelling is "Seize," which means to take hold of suddenly or forcibly. "Sieze" is an incorrect spelling.
Difference Between Seize and Sieze
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Use a mnemonic: Seize Starts with 'S' and Ends with 'e.'
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Sep 14, 2023
Link it with words that rhyme like "freeze," which also have "e" before "i."
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Sep 14, 2023
Remember the saying "i before e except after c," which doesn't apply to "seize," making it an exception to remember.
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Visualize a "Z" as in "Zebra" when spelling "Seize" to match the 'z' sound.
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Think of "seize the day," a common phrase spelled correctly to aid memory.
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Definitions
Seize
To take hold of forcibly or suddenly.
Police were authorized to seize the stolen goods.
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Seize
To take possession of something due to legal right.
The bank will seize the property if payments aren't made.
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Seize
To be affected by a sudden strong emotion or physical sensation.
She was seized with a sudden fear.
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Seize
Take hold of suddenly and forcibly
He seized hold of the door handle
She jumped up and seized his arm
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Seize
Take (an opportunity) eagerly and decisively
He seized his chance to attack as Carr hesitated
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Seize
(of a feeling or pain) affect (someone) suddenly or acutely
He was seized by the most dreadful fear
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Seize
Strongly appeal to or attract (the imagination or attention)
The story of the king's escape seized the public imagination
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Seize
(of a machine with moving parts) become jammed
The engine seized up after only three weeks
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Seize
Be in legal possession of
The court is currently seized of custody applications
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Seize
Fasten or attach (someone or something) to something by binding with turns of rope
Jack was seized to the gun and had his two dozen lashes
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Seize
To take by force; capture or conquer
The kidnappers seized the prince. The invaders seized the city.
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Seize
To take quick and forcible possession of; confiscate
The police seized a cache of illegal drugs.
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Seize
To focus the attention or intellect on
Seize an idea and develop it to the fullest extent.
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Seize
To have a sudden overwhelming effect on
A heinous crime that seized the minds and emotions of the populace.
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Seize
To overwhelm physically
A person who was seized with a terminal disease.
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Seize
Also seise (sēz) Law To cause (someone) to be in possession of something.
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Seize
(Nautical) To bind (a rope) to another, or to a spar, with turns of small line.
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Seize
To cohere or fuse with another part as a result of high pressure or temperature and restrict or prevent further motion or flow.
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Seize
(transitive) To take possession of (by force, law etc.).
To seize smuggled goods
To seize a ship after libeling
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Seize
(transitive) To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.
A panic seized the crowd
A fever seized him
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Seize
To bind, lash or make fast, with several turns of small rope, cord, or small line.
To seize two fish-hooks back to back
To seize or stop one rope on to another
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Seize
(intransitive) To lay hold in seizure, by hands or claws (+ on or upon).
To seize on the neck of a horse
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Seize
(intransitive) To bind or lock in position immovably; see also seize up.
Rust caused the engine to seize, never to run again.
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Seize
(law) (with of) To cause (an action or matter) to be or remain before (a certain judge or court).
This Court will remain seized of this matter.
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Seize
Of chocolate: to change suddenly from a fluid to an undesirably hard and gritty texture.
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Seize
To fall or rush upon suddenly and lay hold of; to gripe or grasp suddenly; to reach and grasp.
For by no means the high bank he could seize.
Seek you to seize and gripe into your handsThe royalties and rights of banished Hereford?
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Seize
To take possession of by force.
At last they seizeThe scepter, and regard not David's sons.
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Seize
To invade suddenly; to take sudden hold of; to come upon suddenly; as, a fever seizes a patient.
Hope and deubt alternate seize her seul.
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Seize
To take possession of by virtue of a warrant or other legal authority; as, the sheriff seized the debtor's goods.
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Seize
To fasten; to fix.
As when a bear hath seized her cruel clawsUpon the carcass of some beast too weak.
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Seize
To grap with the mind; to comprehend fully and distinctly; as, to seize an idea.
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Seize
To bind or fasten together with a lashing of small stuff, as yarn or marline; as, to seize ropes.
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Seize
Take hold of; grab;
The salesclerk quickly seized the money on the counter
She clutched her purse
The mother seized her child by the arm
Birds of prey often seize small mammals
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Seize
Take or capture by force;
The terrorists seized the politicians
The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages
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Seize
Take possession of by force, as after an invasion;
The invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants
The army seized the town
The militia captured the castle
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Seize
Take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority;
The FBI seized the drugs
The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment
The police confiscated the stolen artwork
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Seize
Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession;
He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
He usurped my rights
She seized control of the throne after her husband died
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Seize
Affect;
Fear seized the prisoners
The patient was seized with unberable pains
He was seized with a dreadful disease
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Seize
Capture the attention or imagination of;
This story will grab you
The movie seized my imagination
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FAQs
Why is it called Seize?
The word "seize" originates from Old French 'saisir,' meaning to take possession of.
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Sep 14, 2023
Which vowel is used before Seize?
Any vowel could appear depending on the preceding word; no specific vowel is generally used before "seize."
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What is the plural form of Seize?
Not applicable, as "seize" is a verb and doesn't have a plural form.
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Which conjunction is used with Seize?
"And" or "or" depending on the context.
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Which preposition is used with Seize?
"On," "by," or "from" as in "seize on," "seize by," or "seize from."
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Is Seize a negative or positive word?
It is neutral, the connotation depends on context.
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How do we divide Seize into syllables?
Not applicable, as it has only one syllable.
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Is the Seize term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically.
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Which determiner is used with Seize?
"The," "a," "an" depending on context.
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Which article is used with Seize?
Typically, "the" or "a/an" can be used depending on context.
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Is the word “Seize” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It's a verb and can take a direct object.
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Is Seize a vowel or consonant?
It is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
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What is a stressed syllable in Seize?
The entire word is stressed as it's monosyllabic.
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Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
