Arresting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จ
arresting
[ษหrษstษชล ]
Definitions
describing appearance
Attracting or holding attention; striking; eye-catching.
Synonyms
captivating, compelling, engaging, striking.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| arresting |
Use when something or someone grabs your attention immediately and makes you stop and look because of its distinctiveness or beauty.
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| captivating |
Describes something that is so interesting or beautiful that it holds your attention in a charming or enchanting way.
|
| compelling |
Often used for something that evokes a strong emotional response or convinces someone to take action.
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| striking |
Refers to something that is very noticeable or impressive, often because it is very different from what you are used to.
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| engaging |
Used to describe something or someone that is interesting in a way that holds your attention and keeps you involved.
|
Examples of usage
- She wore an arresting red dress at the party.
- The painting had an arresting quality that drew viewers in.
law enforcement
To seize (someone) by legal authority and take them into custody.
Synonyms
apprehend, capture, detain, take into custody.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| arresting |
Used in informal or literary contexts to describe something that captures attention or is very attractive.
|
| apprehend |
Commonly used in legal or police contexts to mean capturing a suspect. Has a more formal tone.
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| detain |
Mainly used in legal or security contexts to mean holding someone back, often temporarily, for questioning or security purposes.
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| capture |
Used in various contexts including police work, games, and photography to mean catching or taking control of something.
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| take into custody |
Used in legal contexts to describe the formal process of placing someone under arrest and taking them to a secure location.
|
Examples of usage
- The police officer arrested the suspect for shoplifting.
- The FBI arrested the criminal after a long investigation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that bright colors and striking images can have an arresting effect, drawing our focus and creating strong emotional responses.
- People are often more engaged with messages that feature elements that are unexpected, leading to an arresting interaction with the content.
- An arresting visual can create lasting memories, making it easier to recall the presented information later.
Art and Literature
- Many iconic pieces of art, like Van Goghโs 'Starry Night,' are often described as arresting due to their vibrant colors and emotional depth.
- Poetry can use arresting language to evoke strong feelings, grabbing the reader's attention right from the start.
- Classic literature often features narratives with arresting beginnings, immediately pulling readers into the story.
Film and Media
- Filmmakers use arresting visuals and compelling storytelling to capture audience attention right from the opening scene.
- The use of dramatic music scores can create an arresting atmosphere, heightening the emotional impact of a movie or show.
- Trailers often aim to be arresting, showcasing the most exciting clips to entice viewers into watching the entire film.
Cultural Perspectives
- In different cultures, what is considered arresting can vary widely, influenced by local traditions, colors, and artistic styles.
- Fashion often aims to create arresting looks, pushing boundaries to capture attention during events like runway shows.
- Arresting performances, whether in dance, music, or theater, frequently lead to standing ovations, as audiences are captivated.
Origin of 'arresting'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'arrest' comes from the Old French term 'arester,' meaning to stop or seize, highlighting a sense of bringing something to a halt.
- Originally, 'arresting' related to the legal action of stopping someone, evolving into describing anything that captures attention.
- The concept of arresting images in art refers to how certain visuals can halt the viewerโs gaze, much like a scene could freeze a moment in time.
The word 'arresting' originated from the Middle English word 'aresten', which means 'to stop, check, or hinder'. It later evolved to include the notion of seizing or taking into custody, particularly in a legal context. The adjective form 'arresting' emerged in the 18th century, referring to something that captures attention or holds it in a striking manner.