What does 'seizure' refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, the term 'seizure' specifically refers to the act of taking possession of something through legal processes. This can involve property, evidence, or assets that are taken by law enforcement or other authorities as part of a legal action or investigation. The concept is grounded in law where authorities have the power to seize items to enforce the law or to ensure that justice is served. This definition distinctly delineates it from other contexts, such as medical terminology, where 'seizure' refers to convulsions or episodes of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. The legal use of the term encapsulates the enforcement mechanisms in judicial scenarios, providing clarity about its function and implications within the legal system.