seized with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seized with" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe being suddenly affected by a strong emotion or feeling. Example: "She was seized with a sense of dread as the storm approached." Alternative expressions include "overcome by" and "gripped by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was seized with awe.

The New Yorker

He was seized with sharp emotion.

The New Yorker

[from qualm.] Seized with sickly languor.

Yale University

The chattering classes are seized with it.

The New Yorker

Trump was seized with this issue.

The New Yorker

PHILOCTETES is suddenly seized with spasms of pain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On leaving her, Isherwood's protagonist is seized with euphoria.

The New York Times

Mr. Piccioni was seized with worry before he responded.

The New York Times

I am seized with an urge to apologize.

The New Yorker

The U.N. resolves it is seized with concern.

The New York Times

He seized with joy and fell to his knees.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seized with" to vividly describe a sudden and powerful emotional or physical reaction. This phrase adds impact to your writing.

Common error

While "seized with" is appropriate in many situations, it can sound melodramatic or overly emotive in formal or scientific writing. Consider using more neutral language such as "affected by" or "influenced by" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seized with" functions as a verbal phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing a state of being suddenly and powerfully affected. Ludwig's examples show it is often followed by an emotion or sensation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seized with" is a versatile phrase used to vividly describe being suddenly overcome by a strong emotion or feeling. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media and Academia, as well as in more formal writing. While effective, consider the register and avoid overuse in contexts where a more neutral tone is appropriate. Related phrases like "overcome by" or "gripped by" can offer alternative shades of meaning. Using "seized with" effectively adds impact to your writing, conveying the intensity of the experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome by

Emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered by something, similar to being "seized with".

gripped by

Suggests a firm hold or influence, akin to being "seized with" a feeling.

struck by

Highlights the suddenness of an experience or feeling, similar to the sudden onset implied by "seized with".

consumed by

Indicates a state of being completely filled or dominated by something.

filled with

Suggests being completely full of a particular emotion or feeling.

engulfed in

Implies being surrounded and overwhelmed, like being "seized with".

taken over by

Focuses on the loss of control due to a strong emotion or influence.

beset by

Highlights being troubled or afflicted, similar to being "seized with" a negative emotion.

overwhelmed by

Emphasizes the feeling of being completely overcome by something, whether positive or negative.

affected by

Indicates being influenced or impacted by something, which can be less intense than being "seized with".

FAQs

How can I use "seized with" in a sentence?

You can use "seized with" to describe a sudden, powerful emotion or physical sensation. For example, "He was seized with a sudden urge to run" or "She was seized with fear when she heard the news."

What's a more formal alternative to "seized with"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "affected by", "influenced by", or "overcome by" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "seized by" instead of "seized with"?

While "seized by" is grammatically correct, it typically refers to physical seizure or confiscation. "Seized with" is the correct form to describe being suddenly overcome by a feeling or emotion.

What's the difference between "gripped by" and "seized with"?

"Gripped by" suggests a sustained hold or influence, while "seized with" implies a more sudden and intense onset. You might be "gripped by" anxiety over a long period, but "seized with" panic in a specific moment.