seize
verb [ T ]
uk/siːz/ us LAW
if the police or government seizes property or assets, they take possession of them because they are illegal, or because the owner owes money:
Customs agents last year seized $14 million in counterfeit electronics goods at the nation's ports.
seize assets/property
LAW, GOVERNMENT US
if the government or other official authority seizes a company, they stop it from trading because of illegal activity or debts:
The government has threatened to seize any business that does not sell goods at the advertised price.
to take advantage of something that is available:
seize a challenge/opportunity
A Malaysian tycoon seized the chance to bid for the company, and won.
By having a contract already prepared, you may be able to seize the initiative in negotiations.
to take control of something, especially when others are trying to stop you:
seize control/power Disgruntled shareholders tried to oust the board and seize control of the company.
In finance, telecoms, media, and technology, there is thought to be a rare opportunity to seize global market share.