Arrest Meaning

UK /əˈrɛst/
US /əˈrɛst/
Word Definition
arrest meaning

Arrest Definition & Usage

verb

To take someone into custody, usually by legal authority, typically for committing a crime or being suspected of committing a crime.

Examples

  • "The police arrested him for robbery after they found fingerprints on the stolen goods."
  • "She was arrested last night for driving under the influence of alcohol."
  • "The authorities arrested the suspect after a lengthy investigation into the corruption case."
  • "They arrested the man as soon as he arrived at the airport, based on a warrant for his arrest."
  • "After the protest turned violent, several demonstrators were arrested by the riot police."
verb

To stop or seize an activity or process, often temporarily.

Examples

  • "The film's production was arrested due to funding issues."
  • "The car's engine arrested unexpectedly in the middle of the road."
  • "His career was arrested by a series of unfortunate events."
  • "The development of the project was arrested by new regulatory measures."
  • "The patient’s heartbeat arrested for a moment during the surgery, but the doctors revived him."
noun

The act of taking someone into custody, especially by legal authority.

Examples

  • "The arrest of the suspect took place after a chase through the city streets."
  • "Her arrest was captured on security cameras and shared widely on social media."
  • "The police officer made the arrest without incident."
  • "He was shocked when his arrest was reported on the evening news."
  • "The arrest led to several charges, including assault and battery."

Cultural Context

The word 'arrest' has been a part of legal and criminal language for centuries. It has its origins in the Latin word 'arrestare,' which means to stop or detain. Arrests are an essential part of modern law enforcement practices across the world, often symbolizing the enforcement of justice and maintaining public order. The use of arrest in non-criminal contexts, such as to halt or stop an activity, has expanded over time, particularly in business or health-related discussions.

The Unexpected Arrest

Story

The Unexpected Arrest

It was a chilly autumn evening in the city when Sarah's world was suddenly halted. As she was walking down the street, deep in thought about her upcoming presentation, she noticed the flashing lights of a police car behind her. Before she could react, a police officer approached and informed her that she was under arrest. Confused, she asked why, but the officer only replied, 'You'll find out at the station.' It turned out, Sarah had been mistakenly identified as a suspect in a robbery that had taken place nearby. The arrest, though a misunderstanding, was nonetheless a jarring stop to her normal routine. At the police station, Sarah learned that the real thief had been apprehended, and her arrest was quickly resolved. However, the entire ordeal made her realize how fragile daily life could be. The sudden arrest was not just a legal matter but also a reminder that things can change in an instant. It was a day where both her physical freedom and her mental peace had been momentarily arrested. Yet, the experience also taught her to never take her freedom for granted, as well as the importance of understanding one's rights when facing such situations. Back at her apartment later that night, she thought about how easily life could 'arrest' your plans—whether through a police detainment or an unexpected event that forces you to halt your activities. As she settled in, she began planning a more thoughtful approach to her future, now more conscious of how easily an arrest of either kind could change the course of her life.

The Unexpected Arrest