May 10, 2016 Word of the Day
arrests; arrested; arresting
A police officer arresting a man
Definition of ARREST
[+ object]
1 : to use the power of the law to take and keep (someone, such as a criminal)
The police arrested him on drug charges.
The police officer said, “I'm arresting you in the name of the law.”
— often used as (be) arrested
He was arrested for assault.
She threatened to have him arrested.
He got arrested.
◊ A person who is arrested by the police is taken to a police station or jail and kept there.
2 formal : to stop the progress or movement of (something)
The medics were unable to arrest [=stop] the bleeding.
The drugs can't arrest the disease's progress, but they can slow it down considerably.
arrested development
3 formal : to attract and hold the attention of (someone or something)
colors that arrest [=catch] the eye
My attention was arrested [=caught] by a sudden movement.
— arresting adjective [more arresting; most arresting]
an arresting [=eye-catching] painting/image
his most arresting novel yet
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