# apprehend

/ˌæpɹɪˈhɛnd/ (US) · /ˌæpɹɪhˈɛnd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/apprehend
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to catch and arrest someone who has broken the law. It can also mean to understand something clearly.

For teachers: to seize or take into custody by legal authority; additionally, to perceive or grasp the meaning of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The police hope to apprehend the suspect tonight.
- Officers were able to apprehend the thief just three blocks away from the jewelry store.
- While the detective worked to apprehend the fugitive, the philosopher struggled to apprehend the complex metaphysical concepts presented in the ancient text.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In its sense of 'understanding', it is more formal than 'grasp' or 'comprehend'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.