Meaning & use

apprehension

noun·Advanced

Anxiety or fear about something that may happen.

See it in a sentence

She felt a growing apprehension as the exam date approached.

Despite his apprehension, he agreed to give the speech in front of the whole company.

A note on using this word

Apprehension implies worry about the future specifically, distinct from general fear of something present.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. noun

The act of arresting someone or seizing something, in formal or legal usage.

The apprehension of the suspect took place near the border.

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