Apprehended: meaning, definitions and examples

🚓

Add to dictionary

apprehended

[ˌæprɪˈhɛndɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

crime

To be apprehended means to be arrested by the police for a crime.

Synonyms

arrested, captured, seized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
apprehended	Used when someone is caught by law enforcement, typically indicating that they have been taken into custody for suspected illegal activity. The thief was apprehended by the police after a long chase. She was apprehended at the airport while trying to flee the country.
arrested	Specifically refers to the moment law enforcement officially takes someone into custody for a crime. Often includes the reading of rights and is a formal action. He was arrested for burglary and taken to the local police station. She got arrested for driving under the influence last night.
captured	Used when someone is caught or taken into control, often through physical means. Can be used for both people and objects, and doesn't necessarily involve law enforcement. The fugitive was captured after escaping from prison. The rare bird was captured and tagged by scientists for research.
seized	Generally used to indicate taking hold of something forcefully or suddenly. This can apply to physical objects, property, or even control of a situation. It often involves authority or power. The authorities seized a large shipment of illegal drugs. Her assets were seized by the government due to tax evasion.

Examples of usage

The suspect was apprehended by the authorities.
The criminal was apprehended after a high-speed chase.
He knew he would be apprehended if he didn't turn himself in.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

fear

To be apprehended can also mean to be fearful or anxious about something that might happen.

Synonyms

anxious, nervous, worried.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
apprehended	This term is usually used in legal or criminal situations when someone is captured or arrested by the authorities. The suspect was apprehended by the police last night. After a long chase, the thief was finally apprehended.
worried	This term is used to describe a state of anxiety or concern about a real or potential problem or danger. It can be used in a wide range of personal and professional contexts. He's worried about his health. She was worried that they might not arrive on time.
nervous	This term is used to describe a state of being slightly afraid or worried about something that is about to happen or something with an immediate consequence. It's common in both formal and informal contexts. I'm always nervous before giving a presentation. She gets nervous when flying.
anxious	This term is often used to describe a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It's generally used in everyday situations. She felt anxious about the upcoming exam. He's anxious to hear back from the job interview.

Examples of usage

She apprehended the dangers of the situation and acted cautiously.
He was apprehensive about the upcoming exam.
The uncertainty of the future left him apprehended.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize' or 'take hold of'.
It was used in Middle English in the late 14th century with a similar meaning of seizing or understanding.
In modern usage, it can refer both to understanding a concept and the act of being caught by law enforcement.

Law Enforcement

Apprehension is a critical step in the criminal justice system, often leading to a trial.
Law enforcement can apprehend individuals based on warrants that are issued by judges.
In many jurisdictions, a suspect remains 'apprehended' until they undergo processing at a police station.

Psychology

The ability to apprehend concepts relates to cognitive development, showcasing how humans learn and process information.
Fear of being apprehended can affect behavior, often deterring individuals from committing crimes.
People often experience a sense of apprehension when faced with unexpected situations, highlighting a natural instinct for self-preservation.

Literature

The concept of apprehension appears in many literary works, symbolizing the moment characters realize danger or trouble.
Authors often use the term to heighten tension when a character is caught in a moral dilemma.
In classic detective stories, the apprehending of the criminal is often the climax of the plot.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, the dramatic 'apprehension' of the villain often serves as a pivotal moment in plot development.
The concept is popular in crime dramas, highlighting the chase and eventual capture of the suspect.
Songs and poems sometimes use 'apprehended' metaphorically to express feelings of being caught or trapped by emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "apprehended" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apreendido

🇮🇳 गिरफ्तार किया गया

🇩🇪 festgenommen

🇮🇩 ditangkap

🇺🇦 затриманий

🇵🇱 aresztowany

🇯🇵 逮捕された

🇫🇷 appréhendé

🇪🇸 aprehendido

🇹🇷 yakalanmış

🇰🇷 체포된

🇸🇦 مقبوض عليه

🇨🇿 zatčený

🇸🇰 zatknutý

🇨🇳 逮捕

🇸🇮 aretiran

🇮🇸 handtekinn

🇰🇿 қамауға алынған

🇬🇪 დაკავებული

🇦🇿 tutulmuş

🇲🇽 aprehendido

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,083, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10080 sturdy
10081 normalized
10082 filament
10083 apprehended
10084 calculus
10085 invoke
10086 uniquely
...