Meaning & Definition of word "Apprehend"

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.