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seize

[/siːz/]
verb
apreender
1. to take hold of something suddenly and forcibly
The police officer seized the suspect's arm.
O policial apreendeu o braço do suspeito.
2. to confiscate or take possession of something by legal authority
The customs officials seized the contraband goods.
Os oficiais de aduanas apreenderam as mercadorias contrabandeadas.
3. to take advantage of an opportunity quickly
She seized the opportunity to speak with the director.
Ela aproveitou a oportunidade para falar com o diretor.
4. to capture or take control of a place by force
The army seized the city after weeks of fighting.
O exército conquistou a cidade após semanas de combate.
Synonyms
grabcaptureconfiscatetakesnatchclutch
Antonyms
releaselet gorelinquish

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
apreender
most common usage
General Brazilian
aproveitar
when referring to seizing an opportunity
Portugal
apreender
standard legal and general usage
Portugal
apoderar-se
to seize control or possession of something

Related Idioms & Phrases

seize the day (carpe diem)
seize the moment
seize power
seize control
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