apprehend
verb
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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.
Synonyms
Examples of apprehend in a Sentence
Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024
The man was apprehended moments later and identified as Williams, McKay said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2024
Excellent teamwork by Troopers and Hall County Deputies to quickly locate and apprehend the suspect.
—CBS News, 20 June 2024
Additionally, while the suspect hadn't been apprehended, the police believed the shooting was an isolated attack and there was no further danger to the public.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for apprehend 
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Dictionary Entries Near apprehend
Cite this Entry
“Apprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apprehend. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apprehend
verb
Legal Definition
apprehend
transitive verb
Latin apprehendere to seize, arrest, from ad to + prehendere to seize
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