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 Word Forms

• apprehender noun
• reapprehend verb
• unapprehended adjective
• unapprehending 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

The mother, Sarah, is quickly apprehended, but Mother’s compassion inspires her to welcome both Sarah and her child into her home.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The inquiry into the heist has seen investigators chase leads across the globe, apprehend one suspect in Panama and explore the alleged thieves’ ties to Ecuador.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The note was found in a sealed white envelope when police apprehended Mr Berry and Mr Thomas hiding in undergrowth near the caravan site on the night of the attack.

Read more on BBC

By June, Bass faced a different emergency: waves of masked and heavily armed federal agents apprehending immigrants at car washes, Home Depots and elsewhere, sparking furious street protests.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In Lake County, north of Chicago, ICE agents on Monday apprehended several people at a community college, at a Home Depot and outside Waukegan City Hall, community organizers said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bust 
• capture 
• seize