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apprehend

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "apprehend": To apprehend someone means to catch them or arrest them, typically in the context of law enforcement

What does "apprehend" mean?

To apprehend someone means to catch them or arrest them, typically in the context of law enforcement. The mental image is that of a net closing in or a hand firmly grasping someone who has been trying to evade justice. While it is a formal synonym for "arrest," it carries a slightly more serious or official tone. You will most often encounter this word in news reports, police statements, or legal documents. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation to describe catching someone in a non-legal context.

"apprehend" in conversation

News report

Police have finally apprehended the suspect near the border.

Police have finally apprehended the suspect near the border.

The search lasted over 48 hours before he was taken into custody.

The search lasted over 48 hours before he was taken into custody.

Used here to describe a formal police action.

Office gossip

Did you hear they apprehended the person behind the data breach?

Did you hear they apprehended the person behind the data breach?

I did. Sounds like it was quite the operation.

I did. Sounds like it was quite the operation.

The speaker uses the formal word to sound more serious about the situation.

"apprehend" in a sentence

  1. The police apprehended the thief at the train station.

    The police apprehended the thief at the train station.

  2. Authorities are working tirelessly to apprehend the individuals responsible for the vandalism.

    Authorities are working tirelessly to apprehend the individuals responsible for the vandalism.

  3. It took months of surveillance before the federal agents could finally apprehend the elusive fugitive.

    It took months of surveillance before the federal agents could finally apprehend the elusive fugitive.

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