noun
apprehension
ap-rih-HEHN-shuhn
noun
1
A worried feeling that something bad might happen; anxiety about the future.
"She felt a growing sense of apprehension as the exam approached."
"There was some apprehension among staff about the merger."
2
The act of catching or arresting someone.
"The apprehension of the suspect took place at the airport."
3
Basic understanding or grasp of an idea.
"His apprehension of the material improved after the extra lessons."
How to Use Apprehension
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually means nervous worry about what might happen next; less commonly, the act of arresting someone or a basic grasp of something.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with comprehension (deep understanding) — apprehension in the "understanding" sense is more basic and immediate.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a sense of apprehension
apprehension about
with some apprehension
Word Forms
apprehensions plural
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She felt a growing sense of _____ as the exam approached.
Etymology
From Latin apprehensio, "a taking hold of" — the same root as apprehend and comprehend.