Catch

Definition

Catch is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to capture or seize something that is moving, to trap or ensnare, or to understand or detect something. As a noun, it refers to the act of capturing or the object that is caught.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kætʃ/
• Respelling: KACH

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kætʃ/
• Respelling: KACH

Etymology

The word "catch" originates from the Old North French "cachier," meaning "to chase or capture." This was derived from the Latin "captiare," meaning "to try to seize," from "capere" (to take or hold). Over time, the term evolved to cover a range of meanings related to capturing, seizing, or noticing.

Derivatives

• Catcher (noun)
• Catchy (adjective)
• Catching (adjective)
• Overcatch (verb, rare)
• Recatch (verb)

Synonyms

• Capture
• Seize
• Snare

Antonyms

• Release
• Lose
• Miss

Usage

The term "catch" is widely used to describe the act of capturing, seizing, or understanding something. For example, "She managed to catch the ball," or "Did you catch what he said?"

Related Terms

• Capture: The act of taking or seizing.
• Grab: To take hold of something suddenly.
• Snare: A device for capturing, often used to describe traps.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To capture or seize something in motion: Refers to the act of taking hold of something that is moving.
  • Example: "He reached out to catch the falling book."
• To trap or ensnare: Used when referring to capturing something or someone in a trap.
  • Example: "The hunter set traps to catch small animals."
• To understand or detect something: Means to comprehend, hear, or see something.
  • Example: "Did you catch the meaning of her message?"

Noun

• The act of capturing or the item that is caught: Describes the result of a successful attempt to seize or capture.
  • Example: "The fisherman was pleased with his large catch."
• A hidden or unexpected drawback: Used to describe a hidden difficulty or disadvantage.
  • Example: "There’s a catch to the seemingly generous offer."