Spanish Conversation · Level 19
90 words
Spanish word
apresar
Pronunciation
IPA/apɾeˈsaɾ/
Meaning
- verbcatch
Example
El perro apresó al intruso en el jardín.
The dog caught the intruder in the garden.
More examples
El vecino apresó al ladrón hasta que llegó la policía.
The neighbor caught the thief and held him until the police arrived.
Core concept
A person, animal, or object seized and held so it cannot move or escape.
Common phrases
apresar a un ladrón
catch a thief
apresar a alguien en el acto
arrest someone in the act
Similar words
atrapar: Catches something that is running or trying to flee, stopping its escape.
agarrar: Grasps firmly with the hand or body, holding the item so it cannot move.
prender: Seizes and restrains a person, typically using force to prevent escape.
arrestar: Detains a person through official legal procedures; formal custody.
Definition in Spanish
Tomar a una persona, un animal o un objeto por la fuerza o con autoridad, privándolo de libertad o de movimiento.
Word origin
From Latin apprehendere (prehendere 'to grasp'), with the prefix a- forming a verb meaning to seize or take by force.
Usage tips
- Mainly used for arrests, hunts, or official seizures, so in casual speech native speakers often prefer detener, atrapar, or capturar and avoid confusing apresar with apresurar ('to hurry').