v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. a seize (a person) and take into custody, esp. by legal authority. b seize (a ship) by legal authority.
2 stop or check (esp. a process or moving thing).
3 a attract (a person's attention). b attract the attention of (a person).
--n.
1. the act of arresting or being arrested, esp. the legal seizure of a person.
2 a stoppage or check (cardiac arrest).
Phrases and idioms:
arrest of judgement Law the staying of proceedings, notwithstanding a verdict, on the grounds of a material irregularity in the course of the trial.
Derivatives:
arrestingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF arester ult. f. L restare remain, stop