Ar‐rest″ (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Arrested; p. pr. & vb. n.Arresting.] [OE. aresten, OF. arester, F. arrêter, fr. LL. arrestare; L. ad + restare to remain, stop; re + stare to stand. See Rest remainder.] 1. To stop; to check or hinder the motion or action of; as, to arrest the current of a river; to arrest the senses.
Nor could her virtues the relentless hand
Of Death arrest.
Philips.
2. (Law) To take, seize, or apprehend by authority of law; as, to arrest one for debt, or for a crime.
☞ After this word Shakespeare uses of (“I arrest thee of high treason”) or on; the modern usage is for.
3. To seize on and fix; to hold; to catch; as, to arrest the eyes or attention. Buckminster.
4. To rest or fasten; to fix; to concentrate.
We may arrest our thoughts upon the divine mercies.
Jer. Taylor.
Syn. — To obstruct; delay; detain; check; hinder; stop; apprehend; seize; lay hold of.