26984 words

seizure

7 definitions • 11 examples
1
the action of taking something by force or with legal authority:

Examples:

seizure of power/property/control
Seizures of illicit drugs have increased by 30 percent this year.
2
a very sudden attack of an illness in which someone becomes unconscious or develops violent movements:

Examples:

an epileptic seizure
3
a sudden failure of the heart:

Examples:

His aunt died of a seizure.
figurative humorous When I told her how much it cost she nearly had a seizure (= she was very shocked).
4
the act of taking hold or possession of something:

Examples:

[ U ] Violators of the fishing regulations face seizure of the boat's catch.
5
A seizure is also a medical condition that can cause you to lose control of your muscles and, often, cause you to become unconscious:

Examples:

[ C ] The cat suffered several seizures after eating some poison.
6
the act of taking possession of property or assets because they are illegal, or because the owner owes money:

Examples:

the seizure of sth More severe penalties, including the seizure of assets will be introduced for the non-payment of taxes.
In 2005, there were about 70 seizures of goods worth $20.6 million.
asset/land/property seizure
7
property or assets that are taken away because they are illegal, or because the owner owes money:

Examples:

Border seizures were worth $538.8 million in 2010.

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