Of a machine, engine, or body part: to stop moving suddenly because parts have locked together; also, of a person, to freeze due to pain or extreme emotion.
When a machine or part of your body gets completely stuck and cannot move.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
Of a machine or mechanical part: to stop functioning because the moving parts have locked together, usually due to friction, heat, or lack of lubrication.
"The engine seized up after the driver ignored the oil warning light for too long."
Of a joint, muscle, or body part: to become stiff and impossible to move, often from cold, injury, or lack of use.
"My knee seized up halfway through the race and I had to stop."
Of a person: to suddenly freeze and become unable to act, speak, or move, typically due to fear, panic, or being overwhelmed.
"He completely seized up when he was asked to speak in front of the whole company."
Used both literally (machinery, joints) and figuratively (systems, organisations, traffic). In colloquial use, can describe a person who suddenly cannot move, speak, or act — e.g. from fear or muscle spasm.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "seize up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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