First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
apprehension
noun ap·pre·hen·sion \ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-shən\
Definition of APPREHENSION
1
a : the act or power of perceiving or comprehending <a person of dull apprehension> b : the result of apprehending mentally : conception <according to popular apprehension>
2
: seizure by legal process : arrest <apprehension of a criminal>
3
: suspicion or fear especially of future evil : foreboding <an atmosphere of nervous apprehension>
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Origin of APPREHENSION
Middle English, from Late Latin apprehension-, apprehensio, from Latin apprehendere
Related to APPREHENSION
- Synonyms
- alarm (also alarum), apprehensiveness, dread, foreboding, misgiving
- Antonyms
- discharge
Rhymes with APPREHENSION
APPREHENSION Defined for Kids
apprehension
noun ap·pre·hen·sion \ˌa-pri-ˈhen-shən\
Definition of APPREHENSION for Kids
1
: 2arrest
2
: fear of or uncertainty about what may be coming <They approached the old house with apprehension.>
3
: an understanding of something <apprehension of the poem's message>
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