Phrase guide

seize upon

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To grasp or take hold of (an object) suddenly, forcibly, or tightly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The child seized upon the cat's tail as soon as it was within reach.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To take up, embrace, enact, or turn eagerly to (a plan, idea, ideology, cause, practice, method, etc.); to grasp, understand, and accept quickly; to adopt wholeheartedly or vigorously.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I heard her ideas and seized upon them immediately.
  • The committee seized upon the new plan at once.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To take possession of or claim (an idea, person, event, etc.) as one's own; to assimilate, absorb, annex, co-opt.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • After the controversy of her public statement, she has been the darling of right-wing groups who have seized upon her as the poster child of their cause.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.