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Definition of arresting

arresting

/əˈrɛstɪŋ/
ar · rest · ing
Adverb:arrestingly
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arresting Lexical Profile

arresting Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Strikingly attractive, impressive, or unusual in a way that immediately catches and holds the attention.

Example

"The gallery centerpiece was an arresting portrait painted in vivid shades of cobalt and gold."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for arresting

• Nearby Words

arrestable
arrestee
arrester
arresting
arrestingly
arriba
arrival

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the present participle of the verb 'arrest', which entered Middle English via Old French 'arester' ('to stay or stop'), ultimately from Vulgar Latin '*arrestare' (combining 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'restare' meaning 'to remain or stop behind'). The figurative sense of 'catching and holding the attention' developed in the late 19th century.

Cite this Entry

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