Main Entry: ap·pre·hend

Pronunciation: \ˌa-pri-ˈhend\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin apprehendere, literally, to seize, from ad- + prehendere to seize — more at get

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 : arrest, seize <apprehend a thief>
2 a : to become aware of : perceive b : to anticipate especially with anxiety, dread, or fear
3 : to grasp with the understanding : recognize the meaning ofintransitive verb : understand, grasp