What is arrest? Pronunciation and usage in English

arrest means . Learn how to pronounce and use arrest through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of arrest

arrestverb

/əˈrɛst/
Definition & pronunciation of arrest

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "arrest." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈær.ɛst/ (rhymes with "past" or "cast")

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈær – This is the first syllable. The "a" is a short "a" sound, like in "car." The "r" is a very subtle, almost barely-there "r" sound. It’s not a strong, rolled “r.” Think of it as a slight friction.
  • ɛst – This is the second syllable. The "e" makes a short "e" sound, like in "bed." The "st" makes the "st" sound, as in "stop."

Here’s how it sounds (using IPA – International Phonetic Alphabet):

[ˈær.ɛst]

Tips to help:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "r": Seriously, it's barely there. Many people try to make a proper "r" sound, which is incorrect.
  • Focus on the short "a" and short "e" sounds.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some good resources:

Common Mistakes:

  • Rolling the "r": This is a very common mistake.
  • Saying "ar-rest" (with a longer "a" sound): It shouldn't sound like "art-rest."

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you another example word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word arrest in English

Let's break down how to use the word "arrest" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown of its different uses, with examples:

1. As a Verb – To Take Someone into Custody (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: To seize someone by law enforcement officials because they are suspected of having committed a crime.
  • Structure: Subject + arrest + (object – usually a person)
  • Examples:
    • "The police arrested the suspect in the robbery."
    • "He was arrested for drunk driving."
    • "The detectives are trying to arrest the thief before he escapes."
    • "She was released on bail after being arrested for possession of illegal substances."
  • Related Phrases:
    • Make an arrest: “The officer made an arrest.” (Often used interchangeably with “arrest”)
    • Lead to an arrest: “The eyewitness’s testimony led to an arrest.”

2. As a Verb – To Stop Something (Figurative Meaning)

  • Definition: To bring something to an end; to halt or restrain. This is often used in a more metaphorical or abstract sense.
  • Structure: Subject + arrest + (the thing being stopped)
  • Examples:
    • "The new regulations arrested the decline in sales." (Stopped or slowed down the decline)
    • "The rain arrested our picnic." (Ruined or stopped the picnic)
    • "The referee’s whistle arrested the game." (Stopped the game)
    • “His blatant lies arrested my attention.” (Stopped me from believing him)

3. As a Noun – The Act of Arresting

  • Definition: The action of taking someone into custody.
  • Structure: The noun "arrest"
  • Examples:
    • “There was an arrest made last night.” (Referring to the act of taking someone into custody)
    • “The police reported a high number of arrests during the festival.”
    • “He was charged with an arrest warrant.” (A legal document authorizing an arrest)

4. As a Noun – A State of Being Frozen (Rare)

  • Definition: To be frozen in a particular pose or position. (This is a more formal and somewhat archaic usage.)
  • Structure: Subject + arrested (adjective form)
  • Example:
    • “The dancers were arrested in a dramatic tableau.” (Frozen in a pose) – This usage is less common today.

Key Differences & Tips:

  • Verb vs. Noun: The most crucial distinction is whether you're using "arrest" as an action (verb) or referring to the result of that action (noun).
  • Figurative Use: Be mindful of the figurative meaning when "arrest" stops something. It often implies a sudden or impactful halt.
  • Context is Key: The specific meaning of "arrest" will be clear from the context of the sentence.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "arrest"? (e.g., Are you writing a story, answering a question on a test, or just trying to understand how to use it more effectively?)

Synonyms for the word arrest

Practice with vocabulary arrest

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The police decided to ______ the suspect after gathering enough evidence.
  2. She felt a sudden ______ of excitement when she heard the news.
  3. The officer warned that anyone causing trouble could face ______.
  4. The company announced a temporary ______ in hiring due to budget cuts.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. "What legal action can the police take to stop a criminal?"
    a) arrest
    b) detain
    c) release
    d) convict

  2. "The suspect was ______ after the investigation proved his innocence."
    a) arrested
    b) freed
    c) charged
    d) interrogated

  3. "Which of the following is NOT a synonym for 'capture'?"
    a) arrest
    b) seize
    c) release
    d) apprehend

  4. "The police officer issued a ______ to ensure the suspect would not flee."
    a) warning
    b) arrest warrant
    c) ticket
    d) fine

  5. "What is the primary purpose of a trial?"
    a) to arrest the suspect
    b) to determine guilt or innocence
    c) to interrogate witnesses
    d) to release evidence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The police took the suspect into custody.
  2. The detective ordered the immediate detainment of the suspect.
  3. The officer stopped the driver for speeding.

Answer

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. arrest
  2. surge
  3. arrest
  4. halt

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) arrest, b) detain
  2. b) freed
  3. c) release
  4. b) arrest warrant
  5. b) to determine guilt or innocence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The police arrested the suspect.
  2. The detective ordered the immediate arrest of the suspect.
  3. The officer pulled over the driver for speeding.

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