seize up

verb

seized up; seizing up; seizes up
: to stop working because the moving parts can no longer move
The engine/brakes suddenly seized up.
—sometimes used figuratively
Her brain seized up when she tried to answer the question.

Examples of seize up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cheese will seize up not long after. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026 And keep an eye on the heat—if the burner’s cranked up too high, the cheese can seize up. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026 The democratic processes that stood our nation in good stead over two centuries have seized up. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026 Leichman is excited to see what the right-hander can do when his back is not seizing up and his shoulder’s not barking. — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seize up

Rhymes for seize up

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Browse Nearby Words

seize the day
seize up
seizing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seize up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seize%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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