Meaning & Definition of word "Apprehend"
to
Apprehend
/ˌæprɪˈhɛnd/
verb:
- 1. To seize or take into custody; to arrest.
- Example: The police were able to apprehend the suspect before he escaped the city.
- 2. To become aware of or understand something.
- Example: It took me a while to apprehend the meaning of the complex theory.
- 3. To anticipate with anxiety or fear; to dread.
- Example: She began to apprehend the possible consequences of her actions.
Etymology
Derived from Latin 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize, grasp, or catch'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
apprehend the situation:
to understand the circumstances or context of a situation
apprehend a danger:
to sense or perceive a threat
apprehend one's mistakes:
to recognize and understand one's errors
Related Words
apprehension:
The fear or anxiety about a future event.
apprehensive:
Feeling anxious or fearful about the future.
comprehend:
To understand something fully.
Slang Meanings of apprehend
Meaning: To catch someone in the act.
Example Sentence: They totally apprehended him while he was trying to steal the car.
Meaning: To get the drift of something.
Example Sentence: I finally apprehended what she was trying to say.