seised or seized

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A way of asking which spelling is correct for the past form of 'seize'; both exist but 'seized' is the standard modern spelling.

   Grammar: Used as a heading or question about spelling, not as a sentence part.

   Patterns

   • seised or seized?

   In my essay I wrote 'seised or seized' in the margin because I was not sure which was right.

   The teacher told us that 'seised or seized' is a common spelling question, and the answer is usually 'seized'.

2. 2adjectivenot comparableformal

   Having taken hold of something firmly, either physically or in a legal sense.

   Grammar: Usually used after a linking verb such as be or seem: the property was seized.

   Patterns

   • be seized of something
   • be seized with something

   The old warehouse was seized by the bank after the company failed to pay.

   She was seized with panic when the door would not open.

Common combinations

seized or seised

People often search 'seized or seised' when checking a legal document.

seized of the matter

The court is already seized of the matter, so no new case can be filed.

seized with fear

He was seized with fear as the lights went out.

Synonyms and how they differ

grabbed

Informal and physical; 'seized' sounds more forceful or official.

confiscated

Used for property taken by authority; 'seized' is broader and can also mean grabbed.

Opposites

Word family

seize verb

To take hold of something suddenly or by force.

seizure noun

The act of taking something by force, or a sudden medical attack.

Commonly confused: seised or seized or seised?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “seised or seized”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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