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Definitions

arrest

[uh-rest] / əˈrɛst /
NOUN
taking into custody
Synonyms
STRONGEST
capture detention imprisonment incarceration jailing
STRONG
accommodation apprehension appropriation bag bust captivity collar commitment confinement constraint crimp drop fall gaff glom grab heat hook mitt nab nail nick nip pickle pinch pull restraining sequestering snare sweep
WEAK
booby trap pick up preventive custody protective custody pull in run-in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
freedom release
STRONG
liberation refusal rise
WEAK
activation encouragement letting go
NOUN
slowing or stopping
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delay suspension
STRONG
blockage cessation check checking end halt hindrance inhibition interruption obstruction prevention restraining restraint stalling stay staying stoppage suppression
Antonyms
STRONG
advance aid assistance beginning commencement continuation freedom go help liberation promotion start
WEAK
activation encouragement letting go release
VERB
take into authorized custody
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apprehend capture catch detain imprison incarcerate jail round up seize
STRONG
bag book brace bust collar drop gaff get glom grab hook kick nab nail net nick pinch pull secure sidetrack snag tab tag
WEAK
pick up pull in put the arm on put the cuffs on roust run-in take in take prisoner toss in jail
Antonyms
STRONGEST
free let go liberate lose misunderstand release
STRONG
exonerate loosen take up unfasten
WEAK
activate encourage
VERB
stop or slow
Synonyms
STRONGEST
end halt hold stay
STRONG
block can check delay drop freeze hinder inhibit interrupt obstruct prevent restrain restrict retard scrub stall suppress
WEAK
knock off shut down
Antonyms
STRONG
advance aid allow assist continue encourage expedite free further help let go liberate permit promote push release
WEAK
activate
VERB
get someone's attention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
catch
STRONG
absorb engage engross fascinate grip
Antonyms
STRONG
eject let go reject release repel
WEAK
activate encourage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Think about the Palestinian arrest warrants,” Mr. Khan told her, urging her to withdraw the allegations, according to her U.N. testimony reported by the Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

He has declared a "war" on gangs, imposing a state of emergency in 2022 which has since been used to arrest more than 90,000 suspected gang members.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Police questioned him, but he does not face any charges in Serbia and remains at large there - although an Interpol arrest warrant means his freedom to leave the country is limited.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Van Dyke’s arrest signals that U.S. authorities won’t ignore allegations of egregious behavior on the platforms, even as the Trump administration has otherwise taken a largely laissez-faire approach to prediction markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

If Mother could arrange a face-to-face meeting, he might be able to arrest him.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Vocabulary lists containing arrest

Warm-up, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." and "I Have a Dream"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!