The verb 'seize' means to hold something or grab hold of it with force or strength. "The child seized his father's hand and wouldn't let go". If you take possession of something by force or with legal permission you can also use 'seize' "Every day a huge number of knives are seized at airports all over the world." "Police have seized a large number of illegal substances worth over $300,000." You can also 'seize' an opportunity or a chance. "She seized her opportunity to play with the orchestra when the violinist was sick." If you are suddenly gripped by physical or emotional pain you can say you were 'seized by pain' or 'seized by a sense of anxiety' for example. You can also 'seize the attention of the public' or 'seize the imagination of the crowd', meaning you attract the intense attention or imagination of the public. When something mechanical or moving becomes stuck or fails to work you can say it 'seized up'. "The chain on my bicycle seized and I fell over." "The printer has seized. Do you know anyone who might be able to fix it?" You will often hear this used on the news to talk about police seizures but it can also be used in professional and social contexts.