apprehends; apprehended; apprehending
formal
1
of police
: to arrest (someone) for a crime : to catch (a criminal or suspect)
Within hours, police had apprehended the thief.
2
somewhat old-fashioned
: to notice and understand (something) : perceive
subtle differences that are difficult to apprehend
Cite this Entry
“Apprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/apprehend. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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