Arrest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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arrest
[əˈrɛst ]
Definitions
law enforcement
To seize (someone) by legal authority and take them into custody.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| arrest |
Used when someone is taken into police custody usually under suspicion of committing a crime.
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| apprehend |
Used in a formal or official context to mean catching or taking someone into custody, often implying a pursuit or effort.
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| detain |
Typically used to describe holding someone back or restricting their freedom for a short period, often for questioning or investigation.
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| capture |
Often used in the context of taking control of someone or something, sometimes in military or competitive situations, rather than typical law enforcement.
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Examples of usage
- The police arrested the suspect for theft.
- He was arrested for driving under the influence.
legal
The action of seizing someone by legal authority and taking them into custody.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| arrest |
Used when the police officially take someone into custody because they are suspected of committing a crime.
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| detention |
Used for holding someone in a place, sometimes temporarily, often in educational or correctional situations. Can have a negative connotation.
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| custody |
Usually relates to the protective care or guardianship of someone, commonly used in legal or child welfare contexts.
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| capture |
Used in situations where someone or something is taken control of, often by force, in contexts such as military or hunting.
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Examples of usage
- The arrest of the suspect was made at the scene of the crime.
- She was placed under arrest for shoplifting.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal System
- An arrest can occur with or without a warrant; a warrant is a paper from a judge that allows the police to take someone.
- In many countries, arresting someone requires police to inform the person of their rights, commonly known as 'Miranda rights' in the United States.
- Police officers often need 'probable cause'—a good reason based on facts—to make an arrest.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'You have the right to remain silent' became famous due to the TV show 'Dragnet' and has influenced how people think about arrests.
- Movies and shows often portray arrests dramatically, showing chases or intense confrontations, which can give a skewed perception of real-life situations.
- One of the most famous fictional detectives, Sherlock Holmes, often arrives just in time to prevent arrests from being made.
Psychology
- The experience of being arrested can induce stress and anxiety, impacting a person's mental health significantly.
- Research suggests that the manner of arrest—aggressive vs. calm—can influence a person's reaction and subsequent behavior.
- The stigma of being arrested can lead to long-term social consequences, such as difficulties in finding employment or rebuilding relationships.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, arrests have been used as a tool for political repression, with many leaders arresting opponents to maintain power.
- In the 1960s civil rights movement, many activists were arrested for protesting racial injustice, drawing attention to social inequalities.
- Historical figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. were arrested for their roles in challenging unjust laws in the United States.
Origin of 'arrest'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'arrest' comes from the Old French word 'arester,' meaning 'to stop or seize.'
- Its Latin root 'ad arrestare' translates to 'to stop from movement,' which reflects the action of stopping someone.
- The term began to be used in English around the late 14th century, originally in the context of stopping something from continuing.
The word 'arrest' originated from Old French 'arest', meaning 'stoppage or stay', which in turn came from Latin 'arrestare', meaning 'to stop, hinder, seize'. The legal sense of 'arrest' developed in the 14th century in English, referring to the act of seizing someone by legal authority.