An Apprehension

1. (rare) The physical act of seizing or taking hold of (something); seizing.
2. (law) The act of seizing or taking by legal process; arrest.
3. perception; the act of understanding using one's intellect without affirming, denying, or passing any judgment
4. Opinion; conception; sentiment; idea.
5. The faculty by which ideas are conceived or by which perceptions are grasped; understanding.
6. Anticipation, mostly of things unfavorable; dread or fear at the prospect of some future ill.

Usage notes

• Apprehension springs from a sense of danger when somewhat remote, but approaching; alarm arises from danger when announced as near at hand. Apprehension is less agitated and more persistent; alarm is more agitated and transient.

Synonyms

• (anticipation of unfavorable things): alarm
• (act of grasping with the intellect): awareness, sense

Antonyms

• inapprehension