English Explanatory Dictionary

seize up

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To stop functioning; to come to a halt.
  2. To stiffen or become tight and difficult to move.
  3. To stop working suddenly, and become impossible to start again.

Pronunciation

sēz′ ŭp′ /ˈsiːz ˌʌp/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-seize up.wav /ˈsiz ˌʌp/ /ˈsiːz ˌɐp/ /ˈsiːz ˌəp/

Word forms

seize up seizes up seizing up seized up

Etymology

The term originates c. 1870 referring to a machine which jammed up because of excessive heat or friction; it has been used figuratively since c. 1950.

Synonyms

freeze freeze up grind to a halt

Related words

seize upon

Derived words

seize-up
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