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seize up

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌsiːz ˈʌp/

seize up means: To become stiff or tight and difficult to move.

verb

BECOME STIFFB2

To become stiff or tight and difficult to move.

  • My back has seized up.
  • Her fingers seized up in the cold.
  • My legs seize up if I sit still too long.

How to use it: seize up with something (My fingers seized up with the cold.)

Similar words: stiffen, tighten up

Opposites: loosen up

Common phrases: muscles seize up, seize up painfully

ENGINE LOCKSC1

If an engine or machine does this, its parts suddenly become stuck and it cannot run.

  • The engine seized up yesterday.
  • Without oil, this motor will seize up.
  • The mechanic said the pump had seized up completely.

Similar words: seize, jam, lock up

Common phrases: engines seize up, seize up suddenly

STOP FUNCTIONINGC1

To stop working or operating, often because of a problem or blockage.

  • The payment system seized up.
  • Trade seized up when the border closed.
  • Without fresh funding, the whole operation could seize up.

Similar words: stop, freeze, grind to a halt

Common phrases: seize up completely, markets seize up

Questions about seize up

What does seize up mean?

To become stiff or tight and difficult to move.

What is seize up in other languages?

Türkçe: tutulmak · Español: agarrotarse · Français: se raidir · Deutsch: steif werden · Italiano: irrigidirsi · 日本語: こわばる

How do you pronounce seize up?

It is pronounced /ˌsiːz ˈʌp/.

How do you use seize up in a sentence?

My back has seized up. Her fingers seized up in the cold.

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seize up in other languages

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