seizeseize /siːz/ verb [transitiveT]1LAWif the police or another official authority seize goods or property, they take them because they are illegal or because the owner has not paid a debtSouth Korean authorities seized 186,000 fake products in 1999.
A warrant of execution allows a bailiff to seize sufficient goods to pay your debt and costs.
2American EnglishAmEFINANCELAW if the government or another authority seizes a company, it forces it to stop trading because of debts or illegal activitiesThe troubled insurance company was seized by regulators on April 11.
3if you seize a chance or opportunity, you take advantage of it when it becomes availableEveryone in the organization should seize the initiative and improve their contribution.
Ohio has converted its technology to seize a share of the fast-growth $200 billion polymers industry.