seize up
The phrasal verb "seize up" is often used to describe mechanical failures or physical stiffness.
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Definition
B2Mechanics
(technical)To suddenly stop working because parts are stuck and cannot move.
Example
- The engine seized up due to a lack of oil.
- My car seized up this morning, so I had to take the bus.
B2Health
(informal)To become stiff and difficult to move, often causing pain.
Example
- After the long hike, his legs seized up and he could barely walk.
- Her back seized up after sitting in the same position for hours.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "seize up":
seize uponfreeze upchoke uplock upseize the daytighten uptake holdfree upclam upgum upblock upjammed upfreeze tolocked uploosen upsnap upstiff upfreeze on tobound upsqueeze off