What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
apprehend
Example
The police were able to apprehend the thief after a long chase. [apprehend: verb]
Example
The detective worked tirelessly to apprehend the fugitive and bring him to justice. [apprehend: verb]
arrest
Example
The officer made an arrest when he caught the suspect in the act. [arrest: noun]
Example
They decided to arrest the suspect after gathering enough evidence. [arrest: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Arrest is more commonly used than apprehend in everyday language. Arrest is a well-known term that is widely recognized and understood, while apprehend is less commonly used and may be more specific to legal or law enforcement contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between apprehend and arrest?
Both apprehend and arrest are formal words that are typically used in legal or law enforcement contexts. However, arrest is more commonly used and may be considered slightly more formal than apprehend due to its widespread recognition and usage.
