Arrest

Definition

Arrest is a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to take someone into custody, typically due to suspicion of a crime or violation of law. As a noun, it refers to the act of detaining a person by legal authority. The term can also mean to stop or bring something to a halt.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈrɛst/
• Respelling: uh-REST

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈrɛst/
• Respelling: uh-REST

Etymology

The word "arrest" originates from the Old French "arester," meaning "to stop" or "to restrain." It is derived from the Latin "arrestare," a combination of "ad-" (to) and "restare" (to remain or stop). The term entered English in the late Middle Ages with the meaning of seizing or detaining by authority.

Derivatives

• Arrested (adjective)
• Arresting (adjective)
• Arrestee (noun)
• Unarrested (adjective)
• Re-arrest (verb)

Synonyms

• Detain
• Apprehend
• Capture

Antonyms

• Release
• Free
• Discharge

Usage

The term "arrest" is used in legal and law enforcement contexts to describe the detainment of an individual. For example, "The police arrested him for theft," or "His sudden illness arrested his plans to travel."

Related Terms

• Detention: The act of holding someone in custody.
• Custody: The state of being detained or held by authorities.
• Seizure: The act of taking control of something or someone by force or legal right.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To take someone into custody by legal authority: Refers to the act of detaining a person due to suspicion of a crime.
  • Example: "The suspect was arrested after a brief pursuit."
• To stop or bring to a halt: Used to indicate the interruption of a process or activity.
  • Example: "The quick response arrested the spread of the fire."

Noun

• The act of taking someone into custody: Refers to the event or process of apprehending an individual under the authority of law.
  • Example: "His arrest was followed by formal charges."
• The stopping or interruption of something: Can refer to a sudden cessation of an action or function.
  • Example: "The treatment led to an arrest in disease progression."