English Lexicon

apprehension

/ˌæprɪˈhɛnʃən/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

    "He felt a deep sense of apprehension before the job interview."
  2. 2

    The capture or arrest of someone for a crime.

    "The police announced the apprehension of the suspect."

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Synonyms (3)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin apprehensio(n-), from apprehendere 'seize, grasp'. Early senses included 'physical grasp', 'perception', and 'understanding', leading to 'fearful anticipation' (capturing in the mind as a threat).

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