Arrested: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal situations to indicate someone has been taken into custody by the police due to suspicion of committing a crime.

• The suspect was arrested for vandalism
• She was arrested for breaking and entering

Commonly used in law enforcement contexts to indicate capturing someone after pursuit.

• Police worked quickly to apprehend the fugitive
• The thief was finally apprehended after a long chase

Implies holding someone back temporarily, usually for questioning or investigation, without necessarily implying formal arrest.

• The police detained the suspect for further questioning
• He was detained at the airport

Informal and often used in colloquial speech to indicate quickly or unexpectedly catching someone or something.

• The store owner nabbed the shoplifter
• They managed to nab the last tickets for the concert

A formal expression indicating someone is being held by authorities, usually related to an investigation or charge.

• The authorities took the suspect into custody after gathering enough evidence
• She was taken into custody based on witness testimony

Used in a legal or law enforcement context when someone is taken into police custody.

• The police arrested the suspect after a thorough investigation.
• She was arrested for trespassing on private property.

Used to describe stopping movement or progress, often suddenly or forcefully.

• The train came to a halt at the station.
• The company decided to halt production due to safety concerns.

Generic term for ceasing movement or activity.

• Please stop talking during the movie.
• The car stopped at the red light.

Used to describe temporarily halting or inspecting something to ensure it is correct or safe.

• The teacher checked the students' homework.
• The doctor checked the patient's vital signs.

Used to describe an action that temporarily stops something, often disrupting its flow.

• She interrupted the meeting to deliver an urgent message.
• The broadcast was interrupted by breaking news.

Used to describe physically or metaphorically preventing movement or progress.

• A fallen tree blocked the road, causing a traffic jam.
• The firewall blocks unauthorized access to the network.