arrested

word · lemma: arrest

/ɝˈɛstɪd/
uh-RES-tid
/ɐɹˈɛstɪd/
uh-RES-tid

Definition

Past form of 'arrest'. It means that police took someone into custody because they believe the person committed a crime.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used in legal or police contexts: 'be arrested', 'get arrested', 'arrested for theft'. More formal than general verbs like 'stop' or 'catch'. 'Arrested' can also rarely mean 'stopped' in formal phrases like 'arrested development', but that is a different meaning.

Example Sentences

The man was arrested by the police last night.

basic

She was arrested for stealing a bike.

basic

Two people were arrested after the fight.

basic

He got arrested for drunk driving, and now he might lose his license.

natural

I couldn't believe my neighbor was arrested right outside our building.

natural

If he hadn't been arrested, nobody would have known about the scam.

natural