Apprehend/ˌæprɪˈhend/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Law Enforcement Commonly used in a police or legal context when someone is arrested. Officers apprehended the suspect near the scene. Pro Tip 2/3Active Pursuit Suggests active pursuit or effort by authorities to catch a person. After a chase, the fugitive was finally apprehended. Pro Tip 3/3Not Automatic Does not imply instant capture, might involve planning or searching. The detective apprehended the culprits after weeks of investigation.