arresting
Americanadjective
-
attracting or capable of attracting attention or interest; striking.
an arresting smile.
-
making or having made an arrest.
the arresting officer.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- arrestingly adverb
- nonarresting adjective
- unarresting adjective
Etymology
Origin of arresting
Explanation
Something arresting commands your attention. It's stunning, and you can't turn away. When the police arrest someone, they capture them. Likewise, when something is arresting, it captures your attention because it is so sensational. An arresting sight — like the Grand Canyon — makes you want to keep looking at it for hours. An arresting song is one you always want to hear. An arresting story is captivating and engrossing. Something arresting is not only entertaining; it's mesmerizing.
Vocabulary lists containing arresting
"Creativity at Work" and "The Hidden Secrets of the Creative Mind"
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Pay Attention! Synonyms for "Interesting"
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"Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The protest erupted after federal agents conducted simultaneous immigration raids at the company’s Camarillo and Carpinteria locations, arresting more than 300 workers without documentation.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
Large demonstrations had been planned in several cities, but authorities have pressured the organizers, even arresting some, causing the rallies to be cancelled.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
It claimed that ICE agents were carefully following this “reasoned” guidance when arresting noncitizens at immigration court.
From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026
The Metropolitan Police has said it will resume arresting protesters for supporting the proscribed group Palestine Action.
From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026
He smiles, unlocking the door, and I’m wondering if I’ve been tricked and he’s arresting me after all, but there are no other policemen inside.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
