apprehension

[ ap-ri-hen-shuhn ]

noun

1. anticipation of adversity or misfortune; suspicion or fear of future trouble or evil.

   Synonyms: uneasiness, suspicion, worry, alarm

   Antonyms: tranquility, composure

2. the faculty or act of apprehending or understanding; perception on a direct and immediate level.
3. acceptance of or receptivity to information without passing judgment on its validity, often without complete comprehension.
4. a view, opinion, or idea on any subject.
5. the act of arresting; seizure:

   Police apprehension of the burglar was aided by two alert teenagers.

   Synonyms: capture

   Antonyms: release

apprehension

/ ˌæprɪˈhɛnʃən /

noun

1. fear or anxiety over what may happen
2. the act of capturing or arresting
3. the faculty of comprehending; understanding
4. a notion or conception

Other Words From

• nonap·pre·hension noun
• over·appre·hension noun
• preap·pre·hension noun
• reap·pre·hension noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprehension¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin apprehēnsiōn-, stem of apprehēnsiō, from apprehēns(us) “grasped” (past participle of apprehendere “to grasp”; apprehend ) + -iō -ion

Synonym Study

Apprehension, anxiety, misgiving imply an unsettled and uneasy state of mind. Apprehension is an active state of fear, usually of some danger or misfortune: apprehension before opening a telegram. Anxiety is a somewhat prolonged state of apprehensive worry: anxiety because of a reduced income. Misgiving implies a dubious uncertainty or suspicion, as well as uneasiness: to have misgivings about the investment.

Example Sentences

For much of the rest of Europe, a second Trump term brings apprehension and uncertainty.

From Salon

A reward of up to $50,000 is available to anyone who provides information leading to the identification, apprehension or conviction of the driver.

From Los Angeles Times

A reward of up to $50,000 is available to anyone who provides information leading to the identification, apprehension or conviction of either driver.

From Los Angeles Times

But it said the pandemic also contributed to fewer apprehensions.

From Los Angeles Times

The psychics, too, betray their own apprehension as things come to them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alarm
• disquiet
• doubt
• dread
• foreboding
• misgiving
• mistrust
• suspicion
• trepidation
• uneasiness
• worry