Meaning & Definition of Apprehend in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To arrest someone for a crime.

  Example Sentence: The police were able to apprehend the suspect after a lengthy chase.

• Definition: To understand or grasp a concept.

  Example Sentence: She could not apprehend the complex theory presented in class.

• Definition: To anticipate with dread.

  Example Sentence: He began to apprehend the consequences of his actions.

Etymology

Origin: Derived from Latin 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize, grasp, or catch'.

Synonyms

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

Translations

• Spanish: aprehender

• French: appréhender

• German: verhaften

• Russian: арестовать

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.