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Definition of apprehension

apprehension

/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.ʃən/
ap · pre · hen · sion
Adverb:apprehensively
•
Plural:apprehensions
•
Adjective:apprehensive
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apprehension Lexical Profile

apprehension Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

Example

"The students waited for their final exam results with a growing sense of apprehension."

2

The action of arresting or capturing someone, especially by legal authority.

Example

"Community tips played a crucial role in the swift apprehension of the suspect."

3

Understanding or grasp of a concept, idea, or fact.

Example

"Her clear apprehension of complex constitutional law impressed the entire committee."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for apprehension

• Nearby Words

appreciatively
appreciator
apprehend
apprehension
apprehensive
apprehensively
apprehensiveness

Word Origin & Etymology

From Late Middle English via Old French or directly from Latin 'apprehensio', from the verb 'apprehendere' meaning 'to seize or grasp', formed from 'ad-' (toward) and 'prehendere' (to seize).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Apprehension. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/apprehension
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