seize control
Grab the reins
To seize control is to take command of something forcefully or suddenly, often from whoever previously held it.
Governments are seized in coups, companies in hostile takeovers, conversations by loud personalities.
Rebels seized control of the capital.
The phrase implies decisive action rather than gradual acquisition—you seize control; you don't drift into it.
- takeoverAssuming command of something
- hostile takeoverUnwanted corporate buyout attempt
- coupAbrupt seizure of power
- military coupArmed seizure of government
- overthrowForcible removal from power
usurp · regime change · commandeer · capture · power grab · dominate · wrest · grab · take the reins · power · dictator · iron fist · rebellion · insurgent · stronghold · throne · regime · occupy
- leadership verbslead, command, direct, manage, supervise
- initiativetake action, taking initiative, go for it, initiating, take the lead
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power
seize controllose control
Fail to maintain composure
abdicate · step down · resign · let go · capitulate
seize controldemocratic transition
Shift from autocracy to elected rule
seize controllose control
Fail to maintain composure
fall apart · collapse · succumb · unravel · disintegrate
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