# collared

/ˈkɑɫɝd/ (US) · /kˈɒləd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/collared
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to catch or arrest someone, especially a criminal. It is a casual way to say you have caught someone in the act.

For teachers: to catch or arrest a person, typically a criminal. Often used in the context of law enforcement or informal social situations to describe the act of apprehending someone.

## Examples

- The police collared the thief before he could escape.
- The neighborhood watch group managed to collared the vandal who had been damaging the local park.
- After a long stakeout, the detectives finally collared the suspect as he attempted to flee the scene in a stolen vehicle.

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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.