Definition of apprehension

The word "apprehension" has its roots in the Latin "apprehendere," which means "to seize" or "to grasp." In Latin, "apprehendere" is a combination of "ap" (meaning "to" or "toward") and "prehendere" (meaning "to take hold of"). The Latin word was originally used to describe the act of taking hold of something, either physically or mentally. In Middle English, the word "apprehension" emerged as a noun, referring to the act of taking hold of or seizing something. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the idea of perceiving or understanding something mentally, even if it's a complex or abstract concept. In modern English, "apprehension" typically refers to a sense of uncertainty, anxiety, or fear about a future event or possibility. Despite its evolution, the word's core sense of "seizing" or "grasping" remains a fundamental aspect of its meaning.