Arrest
/əˈrɛst/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo take someone into custody.
/əˈrɛst/
To seize and detain under the authority of the law.
The police arrested him for speeding.
💡 Simply: To stop someone and take them to jail.
More Examples
The doctor had to arrest the bleeding.
How It's Used
"The police arrested the suspect for robbery."
"The doctor noted the arrest of development in the child."
The action of arresting someone.
/ˈærɛst/
The act of seizing and detaining under the authority of the law.
The arrest led to a lengthy trial.
💡 Simply: The act of being taken to jail.
More Examples
There was a police presence following the arrest.
How It's Used
"His arrest was made public the next day."
Idioms & expressions
under arrest
Being detained by law enforcement.
"He was placed under arrest."
From Old French arrester, meaning "to stop, seize," ultimately from Latin arrestare, "to arrest, stop."
The word 'arrest' has maintained a consistent core meaning throughout history, primarily related to legal seizure.
Memory tip
Think of 'rest' as in stopping movement; arrest is a forceful stop.