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How to Say "to apprehend" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to apprehend” is “detener” — use 'detener' when referring to the act of stopping and holding someone, especially by law enforcement, in a general sense of arrest or detention..

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detener

deh-teh-NEHR/de.teˈneɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'detener' when referring to the act of stopping and holding someone, especially by law enforcement, in a general sense of arrest or detention.
A uniformed police officer is gently holding the wrist of a civilian who is standing still, indicating they are being legally held.

Examples

La policía detuvo a dos sospechosos anoche.

The police detained two suspects last night.

El juez ordenó detener al acusado.

The judge ordered the accused to be arrested.

prender

prehn-DEHR/pɾenˈdeɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'prender' when the focus is on the act of catching or seizing a suspect, often implying a more active pursuit or capture.
A pair of shiny metal handcuffs resting on a wooden table.

Examples

La policía prendió al sospechoso cerca de la escena.

The police arrested the suspect near the scene.

Fue prendido por sus crímenes después de meses de búsqueda.

He was apprehended for his crimes after months of searching.

Ordenaron prender a los rebeldes.

They ordered the rebels to be seized.

Using 'a' with people

When you arrest someone, you must use the 'personal a'. For example: 'Prendieron a Juan' (They arrested Juan).

Confusing with 'aprender'

Mistake: “Quiero prender español.”

Correction: Quiero aprender español.

Detener vs. Prender

Learners often confuse 'detener' and 'prender' because both mean to apprehend. 'Detener' is the more general and frequently used term for arrest, while 'prender' can sometimes imply a more active capture or seizure, though it's less common in everyday speech for this meaning.

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