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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.

Jurors were not shown the aftermath of Hipolito’s arrest, which went viral on social media.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The sisters believe their father did not have a final removal order or a warrant for his arrest and that he was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Days later, Bolivian police -- working in cooperation with US intelligence -- made the high-profile arrest of Sebastian Marset in the city of Santa Cruz.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Under South Africa law, soldiers can only arrest civilians under rare circumstances and must then hand the suspect over to the police as soon as possible.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

At his desk at home, he stacked the thousands of letters he’d received since his arrest.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.