arrest crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "arrest" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "arrest crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NAB: To catch or seize, often informally. This short, punchy word is a common fit for 'arrest' clues.
4 Letters
STOP: To bring to a halt or prevent from continuing. 'Arrest' can mean to stop movement or progress, making this a frequent answer.
5 Letters
SEIZE: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly. This is highly relevant when 'arrest' implies taking control or possession.
6 Letters
DETAIN: To hold or keep someone in official custody, typically for a period of time. This is a direct synonym for a legal arrest.
9 Letters
APPREHEND: To arrest (someone) for a crime. A longer, more formal synonym, perfect for longer answer slots.
More About "arrest crossword clue"
The clue "arrest" in a crossword puzzle is a classic for its versatility. While it most commonly refers to the legal act of taking someone into custody, it also carries meanings related to stopping, halting, or checking something's progress. This dual nature allows setters to create clues that are either straightforward or more cryptic, playing on the different senses of the word.
Understanding these nuances is key to solving. For instance, a clue like "Police action" might lead you directly to DETAIN or APPREHEND, while "Bring to a halt" could point to STOP or HALT. Even less common synonyms like CATCH or SECURE can be valid depending on the context provided by other words in the clue.
Always consider the letter count you need, as this will quickly narrow down the possibilities. If you have an 'A' and need 3 letters, NAB is a strong contender. If you have a 'P' and need 9 letters, APPREHEND is likely the answer. Crossword setters love to use words with multiple meanings, and 'arrest' is a prime example of such a word that can truly test your vocabulary and contextual understanding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "arrest," consider both the literal (police action) and figurative (stopping progress) meanings. Crossword setters often play on these different interpretations.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to quickly narrow down the possible answers for 'arrest'.
- Think of Synonyms: Beyond the obvious, brainstorm less common synonyms for "arrest" such as "check," "curb," or "balk," as these can sometimes be the intended answer for a trickier clue.
- Consider the Word Length: The number of letters required is your most valuable hint. Always prioritize answers that fit the exact length you need.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many answers are there for 'arrest crossword clue'?
There are several possible answers for 'arrest crossword clue' depending on the letter count, including NAB, STOP, SEIZE, DETAIN, and APPREHEND, among others. The exact number of solutions varies based on the specific crossword puzzle's length requirements and the setter's chosen word.
What is the most common answer for 'arrest' in crosswords?
Common answers for 'arrest' often include shorter words like NAB (3 letters) or STOP (4 letters), which are frequently used due to their versatility and common usage in various puzzle grids. Longer answers like APPREHEND (9 letters) are also common when more space is available.
What does 'arrest' mean in a crossword context?
'Arrest' in a crossword context can refer to apprehending someone legally, but it also broadly means to stop, halt, check, or impede progress. Clues might play on either the legal definition or the more general sense of stopping something, so always consider both possibilities.