apprehend crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "apprehend crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "apprehend crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NAB: To catch or arrest suddenly.
5 Letters
CATCH: To seize, especially after pursuit.
GRASP: To take hold of firmly; also, to understand a concept.
SEIZE: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
6 Letters
ARREST: To take (someone) into custody by legal authority.
10 Letters
UNDERSTAND: To perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of.
More About "apprehend crossword clue"
The word "apprehend" is a fascinating clue in crosswords due to its dual meanings. On one hand, it refers to the act of seizing or taking into custody, often in a legal context. This leads to common answers like NAB, CATCH, ARREST, or SEIZE, which all imply a physical capture. Crossword setters frequently leverage this meaning when crafting clues about law enforcement or sudden capture.
On the other hand, "apprehend" also means to grasp or understand something, particularly an idea or concept. This cognitive sense of the word opens up possibilities for answers such as GRASP (which also has a physical meaning, adding to the wordplay) or UNDERSTAND. This ambiguity is precisely what makes "apprehend" a clever and sometimes challenging crossword clue, requiring solvers to consider the broader context of the puzzle to determine which meaning is intended.
When encountering "apprehend" in a crossword, always consider the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters you might already have. This will help you quickly narrow down whether the clue is pointing towards a physical capture or a mental comprehension.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Many words, like "apprehend," have multiple meanings. Always think if the clue could refer to a less common interpretation.
- Check Letter Counts: Use the number of letters in the answer blank as your primary filter. This immediately eliminates many possibilities.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: The letters you've already filled in from other clues are your most valuable asset. They can confirm or deny potential answers.
- Think about Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords often rely on direct synonyms. Sometimes, thinking of an antonym and then its opposite can lead to the answer.
- Identify Wordplay: Be alert for puns, anagrams, homophones, or other forms of wordplay. Clues aren't always literal definitions.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'apprehend' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'apprehend' in crosswords often include 'NAB', 'CATCH', 'GRASP', 'SEIZE', and 'ARREST' when referring to capture, or 'UNDERSTAND' and 'COMPREHEND' when referring to perception. The specific answer depends on the available letters in your puzzle.
How does 'apprehend' relate to both capture and understanding in crosswords?
'Apprehend' is a versatile word in crosswords because it has two primary meanings: to seize or take into custody, and to grasp or understand. This duality means clues can point to answers like 'ARREST' or 'CATCH' for the former, and 'UNDERSTAND' or 'COMPREHEND' for the latter, requiring solvers to consider the specific context of the clue and other filled-in letters.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of different lengths?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers of varying lengths because many words have several synonyms, or the clue itself can be interpreted in multiple ways (as with 'apprehend'). The surrounding letters already filled into the grid are crucial for narrowing down the possibilities to the correct answer for that specific puzzle.