apprehend

[ ap-ri-hend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to take into custody; arrest by legal warrant or authority:

   The police apprehended the burglars.

2. to grasp the meaning of; understand, especially intuitively; perceive.
3. to expect with anxiety, suspicion, or fear; anticipate:

   apprehending violence.

verb (used without object)

1. to understand.
2. to be apprehensive, suspicious, or fearful; fear.

apprehend

/ ˌæprɪˈhɛnd /

verb

1. tr to arrest and escort into custody; seize
2. to perceive or grasp mentally; understand
3. tr to await with fear or anxiety; dread

Other Words From

• appre·hender noun
• reap·pre·hend verb
• unap·pre·hended adjective
• unap·pre·hending adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprehend¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English apprehenden, from Latin apprehendere “to grasp,” from ap- ap- ¹ + prehendere “to seize” (from pre-, prae- pre- + -hendere “to grasp”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprehend¹

C14: from Latin apprehendere to lay hold of

Example Sentences

Some say they receive intimidation and abuse if they try to apprehend thieves.

From BBC

Kenyan police have also been accused on numerous occasions of colluding with foreign security agencies trying to apprehend people they regard as threats.

From BBC

Before police could apprehend him, the suspect was chased by angry parents, witnesses said.

From Los Angeles Times

"Government, through the law enforcement agencies - that adheres to a strict code of ethics and professionalism - only apprehend suspects and bring them to Justice, and they are brought to justice 'alive', not 'dead'," Nxumalo said in a statement.

From BBC

When the theft occurs, she said, report the item stolen to law enforcement and allow them to recover the property and apprehend the thief.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bust
• capture
• seize