fest|nehmen
Translation
to arrest, to detain, to apprehend
Examples
Die Polizei nahm den Dieb fest.
The police arrested the thief.
Der Verdächtige wurde gestern festgenommen.
The suspect was arrested yesterday.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to arrest (sb.) Die Polizei hat den Täter festgenommen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verhaften; Antonyms: freilassen
Etymology
From 'fest' (firm/tight) + 'nehmen' (to take). Literally 'to take firmly'.
Memory Tips
Imagine taking someone 'firmly' (fest) by the arm to arrest them.