Wiktionary
vb. 1 (context figuratively English) To stop functioning; to come to a halt. 2 (context of muscles English) To stiffen or become tight and difficult to move. 3 (context of a machine English) To stop working suddenly, and become impossible to start again.
Usage examples of "seize up".
Burrich took Nettle, but did not neglect to stoop and seize up his sword as well.
Phoebe cried out with rage, and rushed to the wall to seize up a switch there.
She was slave and would be secured, that she might not seize up a weapon or try to fight or burn wagons.
The words, empty of meaning through endless repetition, rolled out as he turn~ to seize up the next box.
To the giant metal sink to seize up the filthy metal pot waiting there.
Jim Logan looked as if he was having his picture taken by the police, Maurice sounded like Peter Sellers parodying an elocutionist, Hannah's legs seize up if she even thinks she may be on vision, so she comes on like John Cleese .