Apprehending: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal contexts or in law enforcement to indicate the act of catching or detaining a person who is suspected of committing a crime.

• The police are dedicated to apprehending the suspect as quickly as possible.
• The detective was praised for apprehending the serial robber.

Specifically refers to the formal act of taking someone into custody by law enforcement for breaking the law.

• The officers are arresting the man for trespassing.
• She was arrested last night in connection to the burglary.

Implied in both military and law enforcement contexts, capturing means taking control of a person, place, or thing.

• The soldiers were successful in capturing the enemy base.
• Capturing the fugitive took weeks of planning and coordination.

Often used in the context of confiscating items or assets, seizing can also mean taking strong or forceful control of someone or something.

• Customs officials are seizing illegal drugs at the border.
• The dictator's forces are seizing power through a coup.

Often used in more formal or legal contexts where it implies the act of arresting someone or comprehending something complex with a degree of certainty.

• The police succeeded in apprehending the suspect after a long chase.
• He has a difficult time apprehending the intricacies of the new theory.

Used when trying to understand something in its entirety, often with intellectual depth or effort.

• It takes time to fully comprehend quantum physics.
• She couldn't comprehend why her friend had left without saying goodbye.

More informal and often used when talking about quickly or readily understanding a specific concept or fact.

• She quickly grasped the basics of the game.
• Can you grasp the main idea of the article?

A general term used in a variety of contexts to indicate that someone knows or is aware of a concept, situation, or piece of information.

• I understand what you're saying.
• Do you understand the instructions?