APPREHEND', v.t. [L. apprehendo, of ad and prehendo, to take or seize.] 1. To take or seize; to take hold of. In this literal sense, it is applied chiefly to taking or arresting persons by legal process, or with a view to trial; as to apprehend a thief.2. To take with the understanding, that is, to conceive in the mine; to understand, without passing a judgment, or making an inference.I apprehend not why so many and various laws are given.3. To think; to believe or be of opinion, but without positive certainty; as, all this is true, but we apprehend it is not to the purpose.Notwithstanding this declaration, we do not apprehend that we are guilty of presumption.4. To fear; to entertain suspicion or fear of future evil; as, we apprehend calamities from a feeble or wicked administration.
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