arrestive

[ uh-res-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending to arrest or take hold of the attention, interest, etc.

Other Words From

• unar·restive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrestive¹

First recorded in 1825–35; arrest + -ive

Example Sentences

Mr. Dearmer is as arrestive in his way as Mr. Pennell.

From Project Gutenberg

For how long she was never quite sure Lucinda remained rooted in that moment, unseeing gaze steadfast to that door whose closing had been synchronous with the opening of another upon her understanding, to let in light, a revelation blinding and arrestive, upon the mirk of her distraction—that failure of self-confidence and determination which had come with realization, for the first time in her history, of inability to read her own heart and mind and guide her steps by such self-knowledge.

From Project Gutenberg

The accumulation of carbonic acid in the breathed air would also have a similar arrestive power over destructive assimilation.

From Project Gutenberg

Its dramatic end came when the presiding judge, Carmel A. Agius of Malta, finished a long summary of what he called the “horrific crimes” of July 1995, “arrestive in their scale and brutality,” and he asked the accused to stand to hear their sentences.

From New York Times

His attitude was arrestive as an obelisk and uncircuitable as a labyrinth.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arresting
• astonishing
• bizarre
• compelling
• conspicuous
• dazzling
• eye-catching
• fascinating
• handsome
• impressive
• marked
• memorable
• noteworthy
• noticeable
• outstanding
• powerful
• remarkable
• salient
• singular
• startling