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

“I come from a well-known and well-respected family. I’ve never done anything illegal in my life. When authorities would apprehend us during the journey, I would look down out of shame,” she says.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Officers were called to the scene in central London at 14:00 GMT on Tuesday where they apprehended the suspect, the Met Police said.

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

An official said special forces had apprehended the individual and taken them back to Israeli territory, in what was described as a “special operation”.

From BBC

Related Words

• bust
• capture
• seize