seize
verb/ɐpudɨˈɾaɾ/medium
a·po·de·rar
Definitions
1To take possession or control of something, often illegitimately or violently.
The invaders tried to seize the farmers' lands.
He seized the documents without authorization.
Common collocations
seize control ofseize propertyseize illegally
Idiomatic expressions
- Seize power (to take political control).
2To confer legal powers upon someone, to appoint as an attorney or proxy.
I will empower my lawyer to handle the case.
The will empowered the eldest son as administrator.
Common collocations
empower an attorneyempower a representative
Etymology
Do latim 'potis' (poderoso) + sufixo '-ar', através do espanhol 'apoderar'.