1. Apprehension (noun): Anxiety or fear about something bad that may happen in the future.
2. Apprehension (noun): The act of understanding or grasping a concept.
3. Apprehension (noun): The act of arresting or capturing someone, typically by law enforcement.
The word "apprehension" has multiple meanings, with the most common being a sense of fear or worry about an uncertain future event. It can also refer to intellectual understanding or the physical act of capturing someone. Discover more about apprehension to understand its nuanced meanings across psychology, philosophy, and law enforcement, and how these seemingly different definitions share conceptual roots.
The word "apprehension" carries meanings related to fear, understanding, and law enforcement. Below are its key definitions.
"Apprehension" is most commonly used to describe a feeling of nervousness, fear, or worry about something that may happen in the future. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.
The term is also used in an intellectual sense, referring to the ability to grasp or comprehend an idea, concept, or situation.
In legal and law enforcement contexts, "apprehension" refers to the act of arresting a suspect or capturing someone accused of a crime.
“Apprehension” is used as a noun, naming either the sense of dread or the action of detaining someone. It cannot function as a verb or an adjective without altering its form. In philosophical or literary writing, it sometimes appears in the sense of mental perception or understanding.
The word "apprehension" is pronounced as "ap-ruh-HEN-shun," with the primary stress on the third syllable.
It consists of four syllables: "ap" sounds like "app" in "apple," "ruh" has a soft "uh" sound, similar to "ra" in "remark," "hen" is emphasized and pronounced like "hen" in "chicken," and "shun" sounds like "shun" in "caution" or "nation." To pronounce it correctly, place emphasis on "HEN" while keeping the other syllables smooth and natural.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.ʃən/
The synonyms for "apprehension" vary based on the meaning. Here are some common alternatives:
The antonyms for "apprehension" depend on the meaning being used. Here are some examples:
Here are ten examples demonstrating different uses of "apprehension":
1. She felt a deep sense of apprehension before giving her speech.
2. His apprehension of the complex subject was impressive.
3. The police moved quickly to ensure the apprehension of the suspect.
4. The travelers experienced some apprehension about flying in bad weather.
5. With better explanations, her apprehension of the scientific theory improved.
6. The fugitive evaded apprehension for months before being caught.
7. There was a sense of apprehension in the air as the results were announced.
8. His lack of apprehension about the consequences surprised everyone.
9. The detective's quick thinking led to the apprehension of the criminal.
10. The students' apprehension about the difficult test was evident in their expressions.
The word "apprehension" is commonly used in formal writing and discussions, especially in psychology, law enforcement, and literature. It is not as frequently used in casual speech but is recognized in professional and academic contexts.
Here are some related words derived from "apprehension":
1. Apprehensive (adjective): Feeling worried or anxious about something that may happen.
2. Apprehend (verb): To arrest someone or to understand something.
3. Apprehensively (adverb): In a nervous or worried manner.
Here are terms closely related to "apprehension":
1. Anxiety
2. Fear
3. Comprehension
4. Worry
5. Arrest
6. Understanding
7. Capture
8. Nervousness
9. Suspicion
10. Tension
The word "apprehension" comes from the Latin verb apprehendere, meaning "to grasp, seize, or understand." It entered Middle English through Old French as "apprehensioun," retaining its dual meaning of both mental comprehension and physical capture. Over time, "apprehension" expanded to include the emotional state of fear or anxiety, reflecting the idea of "grasping" or anticipating something negative.
Here are some words and expressions derived from "apprehension":
1. Apprehensive feeling: A sense of unease about the future.
2. Law enforcement apprehension: The act of capturing a suspect.
3. Apprehension of concepts: Understanding ideas or knowledge.
Misspellings of "apprehension" can lead to confusion. Here are common mistakes:
1. Apprihension
2. Aprehension
3. Apprehesion
4. Apprahension
Idioms related to fear, understanding, or capture reflect different meanings of "apprehension." Here are ten examples:
1. On edge
2. Walking on eggshells
3. Cold feet
4. Bite your tongue
5. Nail-biting moment
6. The writing on the wall
7. Grasp the concept
8. Catch red-handed
9. Bite the bullet
10. Hold one's breath
1. What does "apprehension" mean in everyday language?
It usually refers to fear or anxiety about a future event.
2. What does "apprehensive" mean?
"Apprehensive" is the adjective form, meaning worried or uneasy.
3. Can "apprehension" mean understanding?
Yes, it can also refer to mental comprehension or grasping an idea.
4. What does "apprehension" mean in law enforcement?
It refers to the act of arresting or capturing a suspect.
5. How do you use "apprehension" in a sentence?
"She felt a wave of apprehension before the big exam."
6. Is "apprehension" a negative word?
It often has a negative connotation, especially in the sense of fear.
7. What is the opposite of "apprehension"?
Confidence, calmness, or assurance.
8. Can "apprehension" be used in a positive way?
Yes, when referring to understanding or comprehension.
9. How is "apprehension" different from "fear"?
"Apprehension" is often milder and relates to anticipation.
10. What is the root word of "apprehension"?
It comes from the Latin word "apprehendere," meaning "to seize or grasp."
The word "apprehension" is rich in meaning, covering fear, understanding, and law enforcement. Whether used to express nervous anticipation, intellectual grasp, or an arrest, it remains a versatile and important word in English.
