seizes up
Freezes mid-motion
When something seizes up, it suddenly stops working or moving, typically due to mechanical failure or physical tension.
An engine seizes up when its parts lock from overheating or lack of lubrication.
Muscles seize up when they cramp or stiffen painfully: My back seized up when I tried to lift the box.
A person who seizes up freezes mentally or emotionally, unable to act or speak.
Painful muscle seizure
- spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
- tightenMake more secure
- stiffenBecome less pliable
- clenchSqueeze tightly shut
contraction · knot · charley horse · lock · rigidity · strain · tension · soreness
cramp
Painful muscle seizure
clench · contraction · knot · charley horse · lock · rigidity · strain · tension · soreness · paralysis
breakdown
Failure or decomposition
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
- jamCooked fruit spread
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
lock · failure · engine · glitch · freeze · stuck · halt · shutdown · gridlock · crash
freeze
Become solid from cold
shock · petrify · immobilize · stuck · dread · anxiety · overwhelm · fright · alarm · startle
seizes uppurrs
Vibrates with contentment
turns over · loosens up · starts up · frees up · kicks into gear
seizes uprelaxes
Becomes less tense
loosens up · unwinds · limbers up · eases up · stretches out