Definition of the word seize up

The phrase "seize up" is a phrasal verb that means to become completely motionless or stop working abruptly due to a malfunction or breakdown. The origin of this expression can be traced back to the Middle English word "seisen," which meant to catch or take hold of something firmly. Over time, "seisen" evolved into the Old French word "seiz" and later the Middle English word "seisen" which came to mean to grasp or take hold of something tightly or suddenly. This meaning gradually shifted to mean to break down or malfunction suddenly, as in the phrase "the engine seized up." The origin of this meaning is not entirely clear, but it may stem from the idea that a mechanical object that seizes up becomes locked up or rigid, causing it to cease functioning altogether. The related verb "seize" also means to take hold of or grip something tightly, suggesting a connection between the ideas of rigidness and total motionlessness. In modern times, "seize up" is used colloquially to describe a variety of mechanical failures, including engines, transmissions, and electrical devices that suddenly stop working. Regardless of its origin, the expression has become a familiar part of everyday language, conveying the sense of sudden and complete breakdown that can be caused by a seizure or malfunction.