be seized by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be seized by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong emotional or physical reaction to something, often implying a lack of control over that reaction. Example: "He was seized by a sudden wave of fear when he heard the loud noise outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their assets will be seized by the treasury.

The Guardian

Without refinancing some could be seized by their lenders.

The Guardian - Business

They point out that cargo planes could also be seized by terrorists and used as weapons.

The New York Times

Worse, Fairfax allowed some of those great revenue rivers to be seized by its rivals.

The Guardian - Opinion

A jury determined that the money was illegally earned and could be seized by the government.

The New York Times

But the visit could provide a greater opportunity that I hope will be seized by the city's cultural leaders.

The New York Times

EMI could be seized by Citigroup after Guy Hands lost his legal fight against the US investment bank.

The Guardian - Business

In a receiving line, each poor sod would be seized by a hand that could have cracked walnuts.

The Guardian

But those opportunities will be seized by others if we in Britain don't sharpen our business skills.

The Guardian

To watch them was to be seized by a giddy intuition: this is where movies are going.

The New York Times

Simply put, we have forgotten what it is to be seized by the force of an idea.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject experiencing the seizure is clearly defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be seized by" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. The passive voice can sometimes obscure who or what is responsible for the action.

Linguistic Context

"Be seized by" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being powerfully affected. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing sudden and intense emotional or physical experiences. Examples show it used to describe being overwhelmed by feelings, ideas, or even physical forces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be seized by" is a versatile phrase used to depict a sudden and forceful impact, primarily emotional or psychological. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely employed, especially in news and media, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clear and consider whether the active voice might be a more direct choice. For variety, consider alternatives like "be overcome by" or "be gripped by". Overall, "be seized by" is a valuable tool for conveying intensity and lack of control in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overcome by

Focuses on the feeling of being overpowered or overwhelmed, emphasizing the intensity of the experience.

be gripped by

Suggests a strong hold or influence, highlighting the captivating or compelling nature of the experience.

be consumed by

Implies a complete absorption or engulfment, indicating that the person or thing is entirely preoccupied.

be possessed by

Suggests a loss of control, as if an external force is taking over.

be overwhelmed by

Highlights the feeling of being inundated or unable to cope with the intensity of the experience.

be struck by

Implies a sudden and impactful realization or feeling.

be affected by

Indicates that something has had an impact, though not necessarily as intense as being seized.

be influenced by

Suggests a more gradual and subtle impact, rather than a sudden overwhelming experience.

fall prey to

Implies a negative or harmful influence, suggesting vulnerability.

succumb to

Indicates a yielding or giving in to a powerful force or emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "be seized by" in a sentence?

Use "be seized by" to describe a sudden, powerful feeling or event. For example, "The crowd was "seized by" a wave of excitement".

What does "be seized by" mean?

It means to be suddenly and powerfully affected by a feeling, force, or event. It suggests a loss of control and an overwhelming experience.

What are some alternatives to "be seized by"?

You can use alternatives like "be overcome by", "be gripped by", or "be consumed by" depending on the context.

Is "be seized by" formal or informal?

"Be seized by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific nuance you wish to convey.