Apprehend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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apprehend
[หรฆprษชหhษnd ]
Definitions
law enforcement
To arrest someone for a crime; to understand or perceive something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apprehend |
This can also mean to understand or grasp a concept, but it's less common in everyday language compared to 'comprehend.'
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| arrest |
Specifically used in legal contexts to describe the act of taking someone into police custody.
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| capture |
Used in a variety of contexts including law enforcement, games, competitions, and describing the act of taking or catching something.
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| comprehend |
Commonly used to mean understanding something fully; it's more frequently used in educational and everyday situations.
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Examples of usage
- The suspect was apprehended by the police.
- I can't apprehend the meaning of this text.
fear
To fear or be anxious about something bad happening.
Synonyms
anticipate, fear, worry.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apprehend |
When used in a non-legal context, it means to understand or perceive something.
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| fear |
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.
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| worry |
This word is used when someone feels anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems. It has a less intense connotation compared to 'fear'.
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| anticipate |
This word is used when speaking about expecting something, typically with a positive or neutral connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She apprehended that her flight would be delayed.
- He apprehended the dangers of the situation.
understand
To understand or grasp mentally.
Synonyms
comprehend, grasp, understand.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apprehend |
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.
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| understand |
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.
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| comprehend |
This word is used when talking about fully understanding or grasping complex ideas or information.
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| grasp |
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.
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Examples of usage
- It took me a while to apprehend the complexity of the issue.
- She quickly apprehended the concept presented to her.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal contexts, to 'apprehend' refers to the act of arresting a suspect, ensuring they cannot escape the law.
- The term is often used in law enforcement training to describe the actions taken to catch an offender.
- Apprehension can be a critical first step in the criminal justice process, leading to investigation and trial.
Psychology
- The ability to apprehend information quickly can lead to better problem-solving skills.
- People who can easily apprehend social cues are often deemed more emotionally intelligent.
- In learning, apprehending a concept means fully grasping it, which can lead to improved memory retention.
Literature
- Many writers use 'apprehend' to convey the moment a character finally understands a critical piece of the plot.
- In poetry, the term often reflects deeper realizations or the capture of fleeting thoughts.
- Classic novels frequently involve characters who must apprehend their surroundings or emotions to achieve peace.
Pop Culture
- In crime dramas, the phrase 'to apprehend the suspect' is a common plot point for suspense.
- Movies often dramatize the apprehension of villains, showcasing the tension and excitement of the chase.
- Video games may feature mechanics for apprehending foes or capturing vital information as part of the storyline.
Origin of 'apprehend'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'apprehend' comes from the Latin 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp'.
- In Old French, the term was 'aprehender', which carried the similar meanings of catching or taking hold.
- The prefix 'ap-' means 'to' or 'towards', and 'prehendere' means 'to seize'.
The word 'apprehend' originated from the Latin word 'apprehendere', which means 'to seize'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of understanding or perceiving. In English, 'apprehend' first appeared in the 14th century with the legal sense of 'arrest'. Later, it also came to be used in a broader sense of understanding or fearing. Today, 'apprehend' continues to be used in both legal and general contexts to convey the idea of capturing, understanding, or fearing something.
See also: apprehended, apprehending, apprehension, apprehensive, misapprehend.