ap·pre·hend 
/ˌæprɪˈhɛnd/ verb
ap·pre·hends; ap·pre·hend·ed; ap·pre·hend·ing /ˌæprɪˈhɛnd/ verb [+ obj] formal 1 of police : to arrest (someone) for a crime : to catch (a criminal or suspect)
▪ Within hours, police had apprehended the thief. 2 somewhat old-fashioned : to notice and understand (something) : perceive
▪ subtle differences that are difficult to apprehend
▪ Within hours, police had apprehended the thief.
▪ subtle differences that are difficult to apprehend
