C2verbformallaw
US/ˌæp.rɪˈhend/
UK/ˌæp.rɪˈhend/
to catch and arrest someone who has broken the law; also, formally, to understand something
In context
Police apprehended the suspect at the airport as he tried to leave the country.
The thief was apprehended within an hour of the robbery.
It took the team a while to fully apprehend the scale of the problem.
Words that go with apprehend
verb + noun
- apprehend the suspectOfficers apprehended the suspect after a short chase.
- apprehend criminalsCameras on every corner help police apprehend criminals.
- apprehend offendersThe new unit was set up to apprehend offenders more quickly.
adverb + verb
- quickly apprehendedThe two men were quickly apprehended by security guards.
- finally apprehendedThe fraudster was finally apprehended after years on the run.