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Dictionary definition of apprehension

A feeling of anxiety, unease, or fear regarding something that is anticipated or expected.
"The child clung to his mother with apprehension on his first day of school."

Detailed meaning of apprehension

It represents a sense of worry or concern about an upcoming event, situation, or outcome. Apprehension can also refer to the act of understanding or comprehending something, often involving the grasp of a concept, idea, or information. In this sense, apprehension denotes the ability to perceive or comprehend something mentally. Additionally, apprehension can mean the action of capturing or arresting a suspect by law enforcement or authorities. It signifies the act of taking someone into custody due to suspicion or belief that they have committed a crime. Furthermore, apprehension can represent a legal procedure where a person is brought before a court or judge for initial questioning or hearing. Overall, apprehension conveys the sense of anxiety, understanding, arrest, or legal procedure depending on the context in which it is used.

Example sentences of apprehension

1. As the storm approached, a sense of apprehension filled the air.
2. His apprehension about the upcoming exam kept him awake at night.
3. There was an air of apprehension before the big presentation.
4. She couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension about the trip.
5. The suspenseful movie filled me with apprehension.
6. His apprehension grew as the deadline neared.

History and etymology of apprehension

The noun 'apprehension' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'apprehensio,' which is formed from 'apprehendere,' combining 'ad-' (meaning 'to') and 'prehendere' (meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp'). In Latin, 'apprehensio' referred to the act of seizing or apprehending something physically. However, over time, it came to encompass a broader sense of understanding or mentally grasping something. In modern English, 'apprehension' primarily signifies a feeling of anxiety, unease, or fear regarding something that is anticipated or expected. The term emphasizes the mental process of perceiving or grasping the potential consequences or implications of a future event or situation, often with a sense of trepidation or concern. The etymology of 'apprehension' underscores the cognitive aspect of fearing or dreading what might come to pass.

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Further usage examples of apprehension

1. The uncertainty of the future filled her with apprehension.
2. The news of the pandemic created widespread apprehension.
3. Their apprehension about the risky mission was palpable.
4. His apprehension about public speaking was evident in his voice.
5. A sense of apprehension gripped the small town after the break-in.
6. The dark forest evoked a feeling of apprehension.
7. The team faced the game with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
8. Apprehension about the surgery lingered in her mind.
9. His apprehension about the new job slowly faded with time.
10. The looming threat added to the general apprehension.
11. There was an air of apprehension before the important decision.
12. Apprehension settled in as they ventured into the unknown.
13. The prospect of change filled her with apprehension.
14. The apprehension of failure pushed her to work harder.
15. The traveler felt a sense of apprehension as he boarded the plane during a turbulent storm.
16. The students experienced apprehension before taking their final exams.
17. She couldn't shake off the apprehension of speaking in public.
18. The apprehension in the air was palpable as the verdict was about to be announced.
19. The detective's job was to investigate and apprehend criminals.
20. The defendant felt a mix of apprehension and hope as the trial began.
21. The hiker proceeded with caution and apprehension as she approached the steep cliff.
22. The police acted swiftly and apprehended the suspect after a brief chase.
23. The actress had a sense of apprehension before stepping on stage for her debut performance.
24. The students awaited their grades with a sense of apprehension and anticipation.
25. The apprehension of starting a new job made him both nervous and excited.