apprehend

[ap-ri-hend]

verb (used with object)

1. to take into custody; arrest by legal warrant or authority.

   The police apprehended the burglars.

2. to grasp the meaning of; understand, especially intuitively; perceive.

3. to expect with anxiety, suspicion, or fear; anticipate.

   apprehending violence.

verb (used without object)

1. to understand.

2. to be apprehensive, suspicious, or fearful; fear.

apprehend

/ ˌæprɪˈhɛnd /

verb

1. (tr) to arrest and escort into custody; seize

2. to perceive or grasp mentally; understand

3. (tr) to await with fear or anxiety; dread

Other Word Forms

• apprehender noun
• reapprehend verb
• unapprehended adjective
• unapprehending adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprehend¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English apprehenden, from Latin apprehendere “to grasp,” from ap- ap- ¹ + prehendere “to seize” (from pre-, prae- pre- + -hendere “to grasp”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprehend¹

C14: from Latin apprehendere to lay hold of

Example Sentences

Mark Ruffalo plays FBI agent Tom Brandis, who forms a task force to apprehend a group of criminals as they carry out a string of violent robberies targeting drug houses.

From Los Angeles Times

A man who was apprehended and pinned to the ground by federal officials was punched in the face, according to a statement by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.

From Los Angeles Times

The agents, successfully at times, entered farms and packinghouses to apprehend immigrant workers living in the country illegally.

From Los Angeles Times

But when Escobar-Valencia attempted to board his flight on July 23, he was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to court documents.

From Los Angeles Times

King is then seen lying on the ground and told to put his hands behind his back while being apprehended.

From BBC

Related Words

• bust 
• capture 
• seize