1 apprehend | Definition of apprehend
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apprehend

verb
ap·​pre·​hend | \ ËŒa-pri-ˈhend How to pronounce apprehend (audio) \
apprehended; apprehending; apprehends

Definition of apprehend

transitive verb

1 : arrest, seize apprehend a thief
2a : to become aware of : perceive She immediately apprehended the problem.
b : to anticipate especially with anxiety, dread, or fear
3 : to grasp with the understanding : recognize the meaning of

intransitive verb

: understand, grasp
Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about apprehend

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Did You Know?

To apprehend is to seize, either physically or mentally. So to apprehend a thief is to nab him. But to apprehend a confusing news story, or to apprehend a difficult concept in physics, is to understand it—that is, to "grasp" it mentally. If you're apprehensive about something that's about to happen, it means you've grasped all the unpleasant possibilities and are waiting with anxiety or dread.

Examples of apprehend in a Sentence

Within hours, police had apprehended the thief. subtle differences that are difficult to apprehend

Recent Examples on the Web

 Countless crime scene investigators have used footprints to apprehend culprits, but footprints are also a valuable resource for studying ancient animals. — Hans-dieter Sues, Smithsonian, "The Long, Strange Tale of the Hand Beast Footprints," 11 Sep. 2019 K-9 Beebs was called in to help apprehend the man, who was found crouching behind shrubs. — Abigail Feldman, BostonGlobe.com, "Worcester police dog stabbed by man with screwdriver," 7 Sep. 2019 The suspects fled the scene, but Bessemer police were able to quickly apprehend all three suspects - two adults and the teen. — Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, "3 teens charged after shots fired at Jeffco deputies; 2 rifles and 2 handguns recovered," 5 Sep. 2019 Debra Clayton, who authorities say was killed in a shootout with the fugitive after trying to apprehend Loyd in Dixon’s death Jan. 9, 2017. — Tess Sheets, orlandosentinel.com, "Orlando police officers’ use of force in arrest of Markeith Loyd ‘lawful and justified,’ review finds," 31 July 2019 Despite their best efforts, law enforcement has found the flightless bird surprisingly difficult to apprehend. — Southern Living, "Have You Seen This Bird? An Emu Is On the Run in North Carolina," 19 July 2019 Garner died on July 17, 2014 after police tried to apprehend the father of six who was allegedly selling loose cigarettes, a crime he had been arrested for before. — Darran Simon, CNN, "Protesters call for justice for Eric Garner on anniversary of his death," 17 July 2019 According to the release, the driver of the vehicle fled the area and police weren’t able to apprehend the driver. — oregonlive.com, "2 arrested, 22 cited by Portland police in street racing operation," 16 July 2019 When conducting roundups, ICE agents often produce an administration warrant — but attorneys say that by itself does not give them the right to enter private property to apprehend someone. — Camilo Montoya-galvez, CBS News, "Former DHS chief warns immigrants not to open doors for ICE without a warrant," 14 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apprehend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of apprehend

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for apprehend

Middle English, from Latin apprehendere, literally, to seize, from ad- + prehendere to seize — more at get

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More Definitions for apprehend

apprehend

verb
How to pronounce apprehend (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of apprehend

formal
of police : to arrest (someone) for a crime : to catch (a criminal or suspect)
somewhat old-fashioned : to notice and understand (something)

See the full definition for apprehend in the English Language Learners Dictionary

apprehend

verb
ap·​pre·​hend | \ ËŒa-pri-ˈhend How to pronounce apprehend (audio) \
apprehended; apprehending

Kids Definition of apprehend

1 : arrest entry 1 sense 1 Police apprehended the burglar.
2 : to look forward to with fear and uncertainty … there was no need of all this caution from the enemies that I apprehended danger from.— Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
3 : understand sense 1 apprehend the meaning

apprehend

transitive verb
ap·​pre·​hend | \ ËŒa-prÉ™-ˈhend

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