arrestar
/ah-rrehs-TAHR/
to arrest
Visualizing 'to arrest' (to take someone into custody).
arrestar(Verb)
to arrest
?to take someone into custody
to detain
?official custody
,to take into custody
?legal action
📝 In Action
La policía logró arrestar al sospechoso después de la persecución.
B1The police managed to arrest the suspect after the chase.
Arrestaron a varias personas por el disturbio.
B2They arrested several people for the disturbance.
Si te arrestan, tienes derecho a hacer una llamada.
B1If they arrest you, you have the right to make one phone call.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
This verb follows the most common pattern for Spanish verbs, making its conjugations predictable and easy to learn. Just drop the '-ar' and add the standard endings.
❌ Common Pitfalls
False Cognate Warning
Mistake: "Using 'arrestar' to mean 'to rest' (descansar)."
Correction: While 'arrestar' sounds like 'rest,' it only means 'to detain/take into custody.' Use 'descansar' for taking a break.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Passive Voice
In Spanish, it's very common to use the reflexive form ('se') to talk about arrests without naming the officer: 'Se arrestó al ladrón' (The thief was arrested).
Visualizing 'to check' (to stop the progress of something abstract).
arrestar(Verb)
to check
?to stop the progress of something abstract
to halt
?to put a stop to
,to impede
?to block advancement
📝 In Action
Los médicos intentaron arrestar el avance de la enfermedad.
C1The doctors tried to halt the advance of the disease.
El gobierno debe arrestar el deterioro del sistema educativo.
C2The government must check the deterioration of the educational system.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Usage
This meaning is usually found in written reports, scientific papers, or very formal speeches. In everyday conversation, you would typically use 'parar' or 'detener' instead.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: arrestar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'arrestar' in its figurative, formal meaning (to halt a process)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'arrestar' used for things other than crime?
Yes, although less frequently. In formal language, 'arrestar' can mean to stop the progress of something negative, like a disease, decay, or a bad trend. Think of it as 'putting a stop to' something.
How do I say 'house arrest'?
The correct phrase is 'arresto domiciliario' or 'prisión domiciliaria.' You would use the noun form, 'el arresto,' not the verb 'arrestar.'