arrested crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "arrested crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by length, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "arrested crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NAB: To apprehend or seize quickly, often informally.
4 Letters
HELD: Kept in custody or restrained, indicating a state of being arrested.
6 Letters
CAUGHT: Apprehended or taken into custody, a direct synonym for being arrested.
SEIZED: Taken possession of by force or legal authority, applicable to people or items.
BUSTED: Informal term for being arrested, often for a minor offense.
8 Letters
DETAINED: Held in custody, especially for a short period, by police or other authorities.
11 Letters
APPREHENDED: Formally caught and taken into custody, a more formal term for arrested.
More About "arrested crossword clue"
The clue "arrested" is a classic in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary for synonyms related to stopping, catching, or detaining. While its primary meaning relates to legal apprehension, crossword constructors frequently employ its secondary meanings, such as halting progress or attracting attention. This word's versatility makes it a rich source for diverse clues.
When you encounter "arrested" in a puzzle, consider the context. Is it referring to a person being taken into custody? Or is it describing something that has been stopped or checked, like "arrested development" or "a process arrested"? The surrounding words in the clue can provide vital hints. For instance, a clue like "Arrested, briefly" might point to a shorter, informal answer like NAB or BUSTED, while "Formally arrested" could lead to APPREHENDED.
Mastering common synonyms for "arrested" at different letter counts is key to quickly solving these types of clues. Keeping a mental inventory of words like HELD, CAUGHT, SEIZED, DETAINED, and APPREHENDED will significantly boost your crossword-solving speed. Always think about both the literal and figurative meanings to uncover the exact word the puzzle setter intends.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by noting the number of letters in the answer slot. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, as demonstrated by our structured answers above.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "arrested," think broadly about words that mean "caught," "stopped," "held," or even opposites if the clue is phrased as a negation.
- Look for Homographs and Double Meanings: Crossword setters love to use words with multiple meanings. "Arrested" can mean caught by police, or it can mean "stopped" (e.g., "arrested development"). Always consider alternative interpretations of the clue.
- Check for Wordplay Indicators: Terms like "briefly," "perhaps," "in short," or "informally" can hint at abbreviations, slang, or less common synonyms. "Arrested, informally" might lead to a different answer than a formal clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "arrested" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "arrested" typically refers to being apprehended, stopped, or brought to a halt. It can imply a physical capture by law enforcement, or it might metaphorically mean something has been checked or prevented from progressing. Look for synonyms like "stopped," "caught," "held," or "busted," depending on the clue's nuance.
Are there common synonyms for "arrested" used in crosswords?
Yes, very common ones! Besides the obvious "CAUGHT" or "SEIZED," you'll frequently see shorter answers like "NAB," "HELD," or even "BUSTED." Longer possibilities include "DETAINED" or "APPREHENDED." The key is to consider the number of letters and the specific nuance of the clue.
How can the clue "arrested" refer to something other than a person?
Crossword setters love to play with words! "Arrested" can also mean to stop or check the progress of something. For example, "arrested development" means growth was halted. So, if the clue implies stopping a process, consider answers like "STAYED" or "HALTED." Always check if the clue refers to a person or an action/process based on the surrounding words.