Seized vs. Ceased — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Seized" involves taking control or holding forcibly, while "ceased" means to stop an action or process.
Difference Between Seized and Ceased
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Seized" implies taking hold of something suddenly and forcibly, often in a legal or confrontational context. On the other hand, "ceased" refers to the cessation of any movement, activity, or function, highlighting an ending rather than an aggressive action.
In legal terms, "seized" is used when property is taken into custody by authorities, reflecting an assertive intervention. Whereas "ceased" is typically used in contexts like business or operations, denoting the voluntary or necessary end of activities.
When someone is "seized" with an emotion, it suggests a powerful, overwhelming experience. Conversely, when feelings or actions have "ceased," it indicates that they have come to a complete stop, often permanently.
"Seized" can also describe a mechanical problem, such as an engine that has frozen up due to failure. In contrast, "ceased" might describe operations that have stopped due to external factors, like a business ceasing operations after a financial downturn.
Physically, to be "seized" could mean being grabbed or held tightly, which involves active physical contact. Ceased, however, implies a lack of action, as in movements or behaviors that have come to a halt.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To take hold of suddenly and forcibly
To bring or come to an end
Context
Legal, emotional, mechanical
Business, operations, general activities
Connotation
Aggressive, forceful
Stopping, ending, peaceful
Example of Usage
The property was seized by the government.
The factory ceased operations last year.
Physical Implication
Involves grabbing or holding
Involves stopping
Compare with Definitions
Seized
Overcome by emotion.
She was seized with fear.
Ceased
To put an end to something.
They ceased all attempts to rescue the crew.
Seized
Affected by a sudden malfunction.
The engine seized up during the race.
Ceased
To stop performing an activity.
He ceased working after the announcement.
Seized
To grasp mentally.
He quickly seized the importance of her words.
Ceased
To discontinue a habit.
She ceased smoking last year.
Seized
To capture or take into custody.
The assets were seized during the raid.
Ceased
To come to an end.
The noise finally ceased at midnight.
Seized
To take hold of by force.
The officer seized the suspect's arm.
Ceased
To bring to a conclusion.
The president ceased the meeting abruptly.
Seized
To grasp suddenly and forcibly; take or grab
Seize a sword.
Ceased
To put an end to; discontinue
The factory ceased production.
Seized
To take by force; capture or conquer
The kidnappers seized the prince. The invaders seized the city.
Ceased
To come to an end; stop
A process that never ceases.
Seized
To take quick and forcible possession of; confiscate
The police seized a cache of illegal drugs.
Ceased
To stop performing an activity or action; desist
"fold our wings, / And cease from wanderings" (Tennyson).
Seized
To focus the attention or intellect on
Seize an idea and develop it to the fullest extent.
Ceased
Cessation; ceasing
We worked without cease to get the project finished on time.
Seized
To make use of (an opportunity, for example).
Ceased
Simple past tense and past participle of cease
Seized
To have a sudden overwhelming effect on
A heinous crime that seized the minds and emotions of the populace.
Seized
To overwhelm physically
A person who was seized with a terminal disease.
Seized
Also seise (sēz) Law To cause (someone) to be in possession of something.
Seized
(Nautical) To bind (a rope) to another, or to a spar, with turns of small line.
Seized
To lay sudden or forcible hold of something.
Seized
To cohere or fuse with another part as a result of high pressure or temperature and restrict or prevent further motion or flow.
Seized
To come to a halt
The talks seized up and were rescheduled.
Seized
To exhibit signs of seizure activity, often with convulsions.
Seized
Simple past tense and past participle of seize
Seized
Taken without permission or consent especially by public authority;
The condemned land was used for a highway cloverleaf
The confiscated liquor was poured down the drain
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when a machine has seized?
It means the machine has stopped functioning due to parts locking up or malfunctioning.
Is "ceased" always related to voluntary actions?
Not necessarily; it can also occur as a result of external factors forcing an end to activities.
Does "ceased" imply permanence?
It often does, but context is crucial, as some cessations may be temporary.
How does "seized" differ when used in a medical context?
It can refer to parts of the body, particularly muscles, that lock up or stop functioning.
What does "seized up" mean in everyday language?
It typically refers to a mechanical failure where parts become immovable.
Can emotions be seized?
Yes, one can be seized by emotions such as fear or excitement, indicating an overwhelming feeling.
What legal implications does the term "seized" carry?
It often involves law enforcement taking control of property for legal reasons.
What is meant by a business that has ceased operations?
It means the business has stopped functioning permanently or temporarily.
What is a cease order?
A legal directive to stop an activity or behavior immediately.
What are the synonyms for "ceased"?
Stopped, ended, discontinued, terminated.
Can a company be seized?
Yes, in cases involving legal actions or bankruptcies, a company's assets can be seized.
How is "seized" used in a historical context?
It often relates to the taking of territories or possessions during conflicts.
Can "ceased" refer to natural phenomena?
Yes, it can describe natural events that have stopped occurring, like a ceased volcano.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Intake vs. Uptake
Next Comparison
Holder vs. BearerAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
