French Conversation · Level 185
15 words
French word
appréhender
Pronunciation
IPA/apʁeɑ̃de/
Meaning
- verbarrest
Example
La police a appréhendé le suspect hier.
The police arrested the suspect yesterday.
More examples
Il s'est fait appréhender par la police après le cambriolage.
He was apprehended by the police after the burglary.
Core concept
A firm grasp that can seize a person, take hold of an idea, or tighten with fear about what is ahead.
Common phrases
appréhender quelqu'un
apprehend someone
se faire appréhender
be arrested
Similar words
arrêter: To arrest someone and hold them in custody.
attraper: To catch someone attempting to flee or something moving.
interpeller: To hail someone in the street and make them stop.
Definition in French
Arrêter ou immobiliser une personne ; saisir intellectuellement le sens d'une chose ; ressentir de l'inquiétude ou redouter un événement futur.
Word origin
French appréhender comes through Old French from Latin apprehendere, formed from ad- 'toward' and prehendere 'seize'.
Usage tips
- For ordinary understanding, comprendre is more common than appréhender, while fear is often expressed with craindre or avoir des appréhensions.