seize (redirected from seizers)

seize (up)on something 

1. Lit. to grasp something tightly. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Dave seized upon the knob of the door and yanked hard. I seized on the railing and held on tight.

2. Fig. to accept or adopt something, such as a plan, idea, etc. I heard her ideas and seized upon them immediately. The committee seized on my plan at once.

seize someone or something with something

to grab someone or something with something. The robot seized Roger with its mechanical claws. The dockworker seized the cable with a long hook.

seize something up

to grab or take something. The crow seized the freshly hatched chick up and flew away. The huge bird seized up the tiny chick.

See also: up

seize onto someone or something

to grab onto someone or something. The beggar seized onto the well-dressed gentleman and demanded money. Tony seized onto the doorknob and gave it a hard jerk.

seize the opportunity

to take advantage of an opportunity when offered. My uncle offered me a trip to Europe, so I seized the opportunity. Whenever you have a chance, you should seize the opportunity.

See also: opportunity

seize up

to freeze or halt; to grind suddenly to a stop. The engine seized up, and the car coasted to a stop. My knee seized up in the middle of a football game.

See also: up

seized with something

Fig. affected suddenly by something, such as laughter, coughing, sneezing, fits of rage, etc. Suddenly, I was seized with a fit of coughing. Mary was seized with laughter at the sight of Ted in a clown suit.

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seize the day  (formal)

to use an opportunity to do something that you want and not to worry about the future Seize the day, young man. You may never get the chance to embark on such an adventure again.

See also: day

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seize up

to suddenly stop moving or working I hit two keys at the same time and my computer just seized up. Her leg seized up and she had to be carried out.

See also: up