Sieze vs. Seize: The Correct Spellings

When deciding between "sieze" and "seize", the latter is the correct spelling. The primary difference between the two is the positioning of "i" and "e". The correct word, "seize", originates from Old French "saisir" which means 'to take in one's hand, take by force'. Variants of "seize" include "seizes", "seized", and "seizing".

The error in "sieze" is a common one due to the confusion with the "i before e except after c" rule. However, "seize" is an exception to this rule. One helpful trick to remember the correct spelling is to associate "seize" with "sneeze", noting that the "e" comes before the "i" in both words.

Incorrect: The rebels attempted to sieze the city.

Correct: The rebels attempted to seize the city.

Incorrect: You must sieze the day and make the most of it.

Correct: You must seize the day and make the most of it.

Incorrect: He tried to sieze the opportunity but was too late.

Correct: He tried to seize the opportunity but was too late.

Incorrect: The police will sieze the stolen goods.

Correct: The police will seize the stolen goods.

Incorrect: She managed to sieze control of the situation.

Correct: She managed to seize control of the situation.

To grasp suddenly and forcibly.

To take possession of by legal authority.

To afflict suddenly.

To bind or lock up by force.

To capture one's attention or interest.

To grasp suddenly and forcibly; take or grab

To take by force; capture or conquer

To take quick and forcible possession of; confiscate

To focus the attention or intellect on

To make use of (an opportunity, for example).

To have a sudden overwhelming effect on

To overwhelm physically

also seise (sēz) Law To cause (someone) to be in possession of something.

(Nautical) To bind (a rope) to another, or to a spar, with turns of small line.

To lay sudden or forcible hold of something.

To cohere or fuse with another part as a result of high pressure or temperature and restrict or prevent further motion or flow.

To come to a halt

To exhibit signs of seizure activity, often with convulsions.

(transitive) To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.

(transitive) To take advantage of (an opportunity or circumstance).

(transitive) To take possession of (by force, law etc.).

(transitive) To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.

To bind, lash or make fast, with several turns of small rope, cord, or small line.

To fasten, fix.

(intransitive) To lay hold in seizure, by hands or claws (+ on or upon).

(intransitive) To have a seizure.

(intransitive) To bind or lock in position immovably; see also seize up.

To submit for consideration to a deliberative body.

(law) (with of) To cause (an action or matter) to be or remain before (a certain judge or court).

Of chocolate: to change suddenly from a fluid to an undesirably hard and gritty texture.

To fall or rush upon suddenly and lay hold of; to gripe or grasp suddenly; to reach and grasp.

To take possession of by force.

To invade suddenly; to take sudden hold of; to come upon suddenly; as, a fever seizes a patient.

To take possession of by virtue of a warrant or other legal authority; as, the sheriff seized the debtor's goods.

To fasten; to fix.

To grap with the mind; to comprehend fully and distinctly; as, to seize an idea.

To bind or fasten together with a lashing of small stuff, as yarn or marline; as, to seize ropes.

take hold of; grab;

take or capture by force;

take possession of by force, as after an invasion;

take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority;

seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession;

hook by a pull on the line;

affect;

capture the attention or imagination of;

It's important to seize the moment when it arrives.

The army was ready to seize the territory.

The company plans to seize new markets next year.

She hoped to seize the championship title in the tournament.

The opportunity to seize victory was within their grasp.

The athlete seized his chance to break the record.

The government may seize assets linked to illegal activities.

The detective managed to seize crucial evidence.

Activists aim to seize the momentum of the movement.

The authorities will seize any counterfeit products.

Investors are eager to seize investment opportunities.

The photographer was quick to seize the perfect shot.

In times of crisis, leaders must seize the initiative.

To seize power, the coup leaders moved quickly.

To take command or authority over something or someone.

To take advantage of a chance or possibility.

To take full advantage of an opportune moment.

To take the lead in taking action before others do.

To take control or authority, often by force.

To eagerly take advantage of something.

To take possession of evidence for legal proceedings.

To make the most of the present moment.

To grab or take hold of something firmly.

To legally take possession of assets due to laws or regulations.

To take over a royal or leadership position, often by force.

To take advantage of an error made by others.

To stop functioning or become immobilized.

To take advantage of a brief or sudden opportunity.

To win or achieve victory, sometimes unexpectedly.

To achieve or set a new record.

To move ahead of others in a competition.

To take something using physical strength or power.

To capture or hold someone's focus.

To take control of a land or area, usually by force.

The correct spelling is "seize".

When something captures your interest or focus, it is said to "seize" your attention.

The word "sieze" is incorrect due to the transposed "i" and "e". The correct spelling, "seize", does not follow the "i before e except after c" rule.

Variants of "seize" include "seizes", "seized", and "seizing".

English has several exceptions to rules, and "seize" is one of those exceptions to the "i before e except after c" rule.

When an engine "seizes", it means it locks up or stops working, often due to excessive heat.

Yes, "seize" is derived from Old French "saisir", meaning 'to take in one's hand or take by force'.

Yes, in legal terms, to "seize" means to take possession of something by legal authority.

Think of the word "sneeze" and notice that "e" comes before the "i" in both words.

A synonym for "seize" in this context would be "captivate" or "engross".