Arrest

/əˈrɛst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of seizing someone by legal authority.

The arrest took place in the early morning hours.

A stoppage or cessation of movement, action, or progress.

There was an arrest in the negotiations after both parties disagreed on the terms.

verb

To seize (someone) by legal authority; to take them into custody.

The police will arrest anyone caught stealing.

To stop a process or action.

The medical team worked quickly to arrest the patient's bleeding.

To attract or hold the attention of.

The artist's use of color can arrest the viewer's gaze.

Middle English, from Old French 'arrestier', from Latin 'arrestare', meaning to stop or stay.

make an arrest

To capture someone suspected of a crime.

arrest warrant

A legal document authorizing the arrest of an individual.

citizen's arrest

An arrest made by a person who is not acting as a law enforcement official.

detention

The act of holding someone in custody.

incarceration

The state of being confined in prison.

bail

Temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial.

Cuffed

He got cuffed after the chase.

Bust

The club got busted by the police last night.