Apprehend: meaning, definitions and examples

This can also mean to understand or grasp a concept, but it's less common in everyday language compared to 'comprehend.'

• I need some time to apprehend these complex theories.
• She slowly began to apprehend the gravity of the situation.

Specifically used in legal contexts to describe the act of taking someone into police custody.

• The detective said they would arrest the suspect tonight.
• He was under arrest for trespassing.

Used in a variety of contexts including law enforcement, games, competitions, and describing the act of taking or catching something.

• The soldiers aimed to capture the enemy base.
• She managed to capture the flag and win the game.

Commonly used to mean understanding something fully; it's more frequently used in educational and everyday situations.

• I can't really comprehend what you are saying.
• It took me a moment to comprehend the instructions.

When used in a non-legal context, it means to understand or perceive something.

• He was slow to apprehend the magnitude of the disaster

This word is used when talking about an intense feeling of anxiety or worry about something dangerous or harmful. It often has a negative connotation.

• She had a deep fear of heights

This word is used when someone feels anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems. It has a less intense connotation compared to 'fear'.

• Parents often worry about their children's safety

This word is used when speaking about expecting something, typically with a positive or neutral connotation.

• She could hardly wait to anticipate her birthday present

This word is used when referring to capturing or arresting someone, usually by the authorities. It can also mean to understand something, but this use is less common.

• The police managed to apprehend the suspect after a long chase.
• It took me a while to apprehend the full scope of the problem.

This word is the most commonly used term for general understanding. It is versatile and can be applied in almost any situation where comprehension is involved.

• I finally understand how to solve this equation.
• She did her best to understand his point of view.

This word is used when talking about fully understanding or grasping complex ideas or information.

• She couldn't comprehend why he had made that decision.
• It’s difficult to comprehend the impact of climate change.

This word can mean both physically holding onto something and mentally understanding something. It often implies a firm or secure hold, whether physically or mentally.

• He grasped the rope tightly as he climbed the wall.
• It took me a while to grasp the main concepts of quantum physics.