The noun apprehension has two main meanings. A sense of apprehension means a feeling of nervousness or dread, as if something bad is about to happen; you might have a sense of apprehension before an exam, for instance. (The adjective is apprehensive: you can also say "I feel apprehensive.") Another noun often used to describe this feeling is apprehensiveness.
It can also mean (in a formal or official context) to catch or arrest. In this sense the verb is often used instead: "The police apprehended the criminal." Related to this is the idea of apprehension of meaning catching or understanding an idea ("I begin to apprehend your meaning.") However, the word comprehension, which is similar but suggests a fuller understanding, is often used instead.
Apprehension comes from the Latin apprendere, which means "to lay hold of."
It can also mean (in a formal or official context) to catch or arrest. In this sense the verb is often used instead: "The police apprehended the criminal." Related to this is the idea of apprehension of meaning catching or understanding an idea ("I begin to apprehend your meaning.") However, the word comprehension, which is similar but suggests a fuller understanding, is often used instead.
Apprehension comes from the Latin apprendere, which means "to lay hold of."
