This is the 9574th most frequent Spanish word.
apoderarse
To seize or take control of something.
In this sentence, 'apoderarse' is used reflexively, illustrating an action of seizing or acquiring something—in this case, control of a team.
El líder logró apoderarse del control total del equipo.
The leader managed to take full control of the team.
'Apoderarse' here is used to describe an emotion (fear) that overwhelms or dominates the person, emphasizing its intensity.
Cuando se dio cuenta de su error, el miedo se apoderó de él.
When he realized his mistake, fear took hold of him.
This instance uses 'apoderarse' to describe the forceful acquisition of a physical space.