Apprehension Meaning

Apprehension

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A feeling of anxiety or fear about something that may happen in the future.
2. The act of understanding or grasping something mentally.
3. A foreboding or nervous expectation of an unpleasant event.

History and Origin

The word apprehension comes from the Latin apprehensio, meaning “a seizing, a grasping,” from the verb apprehendere, meaning “to seize, grasp, or understand.” The term evolved in the English language around the 16th century to describe not only a mental grasp of concepts but also a sense of fear or anxiety about potential future events. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the emotional state of nervousness or dread about future uncertainties.

Detailed Explanation

Apprehension refers to both a psychological state and a mental process. It often describes a sense of unease, worry, or fear about a potential event or outcome, typically one that has not yet occurred. This feeling can range from mild anxiety to a more intense, unsettling worry. Apprehension can also refer to the cognitive act of understanding or mentally grasping an idea or concept. In contexts like law enforcement or criminal justice, apprehension is used to describe the act of arresting or capturing someone, especially when referring to the apprehension of suspects.

Example Sentences

1. She felt a sense of apprehension before the big presentation.
2. The apprehension of the suspect was carried out swiftly by the police.
3. His apprehension grew as the day of the exam approached.
4. Despite his apprehension, he went ahead with the plan.
5. The child had a feeling of apprehension about starting a new school.
6. The apprehension in the room was palpable as they awaited the results.
7. There was a general apprehension among the workers about the upcoming layoffs.
8. Her apprehension about traveling alone was eased by a reassuring conversation with her friend.
9. The apprehension of the storm caused people to stock up on supplies.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Anxiety – A feeling of nervousness or unease about something uncertain or upcoming, similar to apprehension.
2. Fear – A strong emotion caused by the anticipation of a threat, often tied to apprehension.
3. Dread – A sense of fear and foreboding, often associated with intense apprehension about a future event.
4. Nervousness – A feeling of unease or anxiety, usually before an event, closely related to apprehension.
5. Unease – A mild feeling of discomfort or worry, often experienced as apprehension.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Anticipation – The feeling of expecting something to happen, which can sometimes evolve into apprehension if it is accompanied by worry.
2. Worry – A state of mental unease or concern, similar to apprehension, particularly when thinking about negative outcomes.
3. Concern – A state of being worried or troubled, which may lead to apprehension about future events.
4. Alarm – A sudden feeling of anxiety or fear, often an intense form of apprehension.
5. Trepidation – A feeling of dread or fear, usually linked with a specific event, much like apprehension.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Misgiving – A feeling of doubt or worry about a particular decision or action, closely related to apprehension.
2. Foreboding – A strong sense of anxiety or worry about the future, often associated with a negative or threatening outcome.
3. Suspicion – A feeling of doubt or mistrust, which can lead to apprehension when expecting something bad to happen.
4. Disquiet – A feeling of unease or worry, similar to apprehension.
5. Panic – A sudden, overwhelming fear that may be triggered by apprehension about a potential threat.

Antonyms

1. Confidence – A feeling of self-assurance and certainty, the opposite of the anxiety or fear found in apprehension.
2. Assurance – A state of being free from doubt or anxiety, which contrasts with apprehension.
3. Calmness – A state of peace and serenity, in contrast to the unease or nervousness caused by apprehension.
4. Composure – A state of being calm and in control of emotions, opposite of the anxiety or worry of apprehension.
5. Security – A state of being free from fear or worry, the opposite of the anxiety conveyed by apprehension.