Arrest Definition & Meaning

arrest
noun
  1. the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal); "the policeman on the beat got credit for the collar"
  2. the state of inactivity following an interruption; "the negotiations were in arrest"; "held them in check"; "during the halt he got some lunch"; "the momentary stay enabled him to escape the blow"; "he spent the entire stop in his seat"
verb
  1. take into custody; "the police nabbed the suspected criminals"
  2. hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of; "Arrest the downward trend"; "Check the growth of communism in South East Asia"; "Contain the rebel movement"; "Turn back the tide of communism"
  3. attract and fix; "His look caught her"; "She caught his eye"; "Catch the attention of the waiter"
  4. cause to stop; "Halt the engines"; "Arrest the progress"; "halt the presses"

"Arrest" in song lyrics

See how arrest is used in real songs:

  • "Rappers suffer from cardiac arrest"
    Ali f/ St. Louis Alumni * — St. Louis Alumni (Bonus Track)
  • "And said he's under arrest"
    Dre Dog (Andre Nickatina) — Soul of a Coke Dealer
  • "Leaving all my enemies to watch in cardiac arrest"
    Anubis5 — Territory

Usage tips for "arrest"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "arrest" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for arrest to find words that pair well.

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